Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou celebrates Yanela Mbuthuma Bafana Bafana call-up

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has expressed his delight at Yanela Mbuthuma’s inclusion in the Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea.

Mbuthuma’s call-up comes after a difficult start in front of goal for the Sea Robbers, with the young striker struggling to convert some of the opportunities that have come his way.

Despite those difficulties, Ouaddou continued to show faith in the forward, regularly giving him opportunities to lead the Pirates attack and insisting that his performances should be viewed beyond his goalscoring statistics.

The coach has now been encouraged by the decision of Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane to include Mbuthuma in the national team squad.

Ouaddou believes the selection is an important recognition of the qualities he has seen in the striker since deciding to continue playing him despite his struggles in front of goal.

“First of all, I’m very happy and again I thank Coach Pitso to notice the quality of this boy,” Ouaddou said via PrimeSportsWithMahlatse.

The French-Moroccan coach believes Mbuthuma’s selection serves as confirmation that his decision to trust the striker was justified.

“You know, if I notice that this boy has quality, and coach Pitso notices as well that he has quality, I think that this boy has something, you understand?” he added.

For Ouaddou, the national team call-up is also an important response to those who have questioned Mbuthuma’s ability during his difficult spells in front of goal.

The Pirates boss, however, does not want the striker to become complacent simply because he has received recognition at international level.

Instead, he wants Mbuthuma to use the opportunity as motivation to continue improving, particularly in the most important area for a striker — finishing.

“So, it’s a big answer for all people who have doubt on this boy, and it’s not because he’s in the national team that is going to stop working,” Ouaddou said.

“I will be behind him to push him to be at his best and to continue to work specifically in the areas of finishing.”

Mbuthuma’s inclusion gives him an opportunity to work with some of South Africa’s leading players and experience the demands of international football.

For Ouaddou, the priority remains helping the striker develop his overall game while improving his efficiency in front of goal.

The coach’s continued backing also suggests that Pirates remain committed to developing Mbuthuma rather than judging him solely on his current goalscoring return.

With Bafana Bafana preparing for their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign, Mbuthuma will now have the chance to prove himself on the international stage and demonstrate why both Mosimane and Ouaddou believe he has the qualities required to succeed at the highest level.