Ouaddou calls on Mbuthuma and Radiopane to maintain scoring form

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has praised Yanela Mbuthuma and Boitumelo Radiopane for their recent goals but warned the pair they must deliver consistently throughout the season.

After struggling in front of goal at the start of the campaign, the two forwards have scored a combined five goals in Pirates’ past five matches.

However, Ouaddou says their improved form must continue, insisting there is no room for complacency at the club.

“At this club, you don’t have time to sleep,” Ouaddou said.

“Well done to them [Mbuthuma and Radiopane], but the season is long, so you can’t score in one or two games and then go to sleep. You have to stay awake all the time.”

The Moroccan coach had previously expressed his frustration publicly as Mbuthuma and Radiopane struggled to make an impact. He explained that the decision to criticise them in public was intended to provoke a response during a difficult spell.

“Sometimes when you make this call publicly, it’s a way to touch the players,” he said.

“Of course I always have internal conversations with them, but calling them out publicly is sometimes my way to motivate them.

“I said that I needed an answer from them, and both of them gave me very good answers straight away. Now the most important thing for me is consistency … you can’t be blowing hot and cold; you need consistency in every competition we are participating in.”

Ouaddou also believes Pirates have further attacking options available, although Evidence Makgopa is recovering from a knee injury and Sebastien Pedersen has been dealing with fitness problems.

Sifiso Luthuli is another forward the coach is expecting to contribute.

“We still have some weapons. I’m waiting for Makgopa to come back [after a knee injury]. I’m still waiting for Pedersen [who’s been struggling with fitness] and Luthuli as well. So I really have a big hope this season with the strikers we have.”

Mbuthuma is expected to lead the Pirates attack when they host Durban City at Orlando Amstel Arena in a league match tonight.

League fixtures

Tonight

Pirates v Durban, Orlando (7.30pm).

Saturday

Bay v Sekhukhune, Princess Magogo Stadium (3pm);

Polokwane v AmaZulu, Old Peter Mokaba (5.30pm);

Kruger v Stellenbosch, Mbombela (8pm).

Sunday

Arrows v Chiefs, Mbombela (3pm);

Milford v Durban, Sugar Ray (3pm);

Gallants v Pirates, Royal Bafokeng (3pm);

Galaxy v Chippa, Solomon Mahlangu (5.30pm).

Fifa Intercontinental Cup fixture

Saturday

Sundowns v Al Ahli (Saudi), Loftus Versfeld (3pm).