Pitso Mosimane backs Yanela Mbuthuma after Orlando Pirates criticism

Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has defended the inclusion of Orlando Pirates striker Yanela Mbuthuma after sections of the club’s support questioned his selection for South Africa.

Mosimane was speaking at SAFA House on Thursday as he announced his final squad for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea. He insisted Mbuthuma had earned his place and urged critics to give the forward an opportunity to show what he can do.

“I think he’s a national team player, he scores goals,” Mosimane told journalists. “I think you’ve seen him scoring a few goals in Orlando Stadium, and yes, maybe he’s not scoring as much as you want, but he does score goals, and he’s got a physical presence also, and he’s hungry, give him a chance.”

Mbuthuma has recorded five goal contributions this season, scoring three goals and providing two assists.

The 62-year-old coach said the striker’s physical strength, appetite and ability to find the net could be important qualities for Bafana Bafana during their qualifying campaign. His defence of Mbuthuma also underlined Mosimane’s intention to make selection decisions on merit rather than in response to popular opinion.

Bafana Bafana will host Kenya before travelling to Eritrea, with a high-profile friendly against Egypt also scheduled.

Mosimane said, however, that the central target remained qualification for AFCON. He added that each decision over the squad would be significant as South Africa pursue that objective.