Former Orlando Pirates striker Bruce Ramokadi pinpoints Yanela Mbuthuma’s biggest problem as goal drought continues

Former Orlando Pirates striker Bruce Ramokadi has identified what he believes is Yanela Mbuthuma’s biggest problem as the young forward continues to struggle in front of goal.

Mbuthuma joined the Buccaneers from Richards Bay last season but has found it difficult to consistently deliver goals despite being trusted as the club’s first-choice striker.

The 24-year-old managed just five goals in 27 appearances during his debut campaign, while wingers Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis both scored more than 10 goals.

His difficulties have continued into the new season, with Mbuthuma yet to find the net in the four matches he has played this year. His barren run has frustrated sections of the Pirates support, with some fans calling for him to be dropped to the bench.

However, Ramokadi believes the striker’s struggles are largely psychological and has advised him against putting unnecessary pressure on himself.

“The thing is, he must not try hard. I see that he is trying very hard and when you do that, you are bound to make mistakes. So he must just be himself, play the football he was playing at Richards Bay,” Ramokadi said.

‘A goal is a goal’

Ramokadi believes Mbuthuma should concentrate on doing what he does best rather than attempting to replicate the creative qualities of Pirates’ attacking players.

“Because if you’re a box striker, you need to be in the box, you don’t have to be as skillful as other players. Just do your job, even if he can score with a toe, it’s fine, it’s a goal and that will boost his confidence.

“He must not look to score smart goals, because most of the time players want to score beautiful goals. I mean when you score, a goal is a goal. On the record it says you scored, there’s no space of how you scored it,” he told Kickoff.

Ramokadi calls for patience

While acknowledging Mbuthuma’s work rate, Ramokadi believes the striker is trying to take on responsibilities that do not necessarily suit his natural game.

“I think that’s his biggest problem, he wants to play like other (creative) players and he is just a goal-scorer. But I can see he’s a hard worker, he defends from the front, which is what made him different from (Tshegofatso) Mabasa.”

Ramokadi has consequently urged Orlando Pirates to remain patient with the forward, insisting that his goals will eventually come if he returns to the simple approach that served him well at Richards Bay.

For now, Mbuthuma faces increasing pressure to justify his place in the starting XI, but Ramokadi believes confidence, rather than ability, is the key to unlocking the striker’s potential.