Doctor Khumalo praises Orlando Pirates striker Yanela Mbuthuma’s tireless work

Doctor Khumalo says Orlando Pirates striker Yanela Mbuthuma’s willingness to work quietly and constantly pressure defenders is helping him develop into a more complete forward.

Mbuthuma, 24, is among the 11 forwards selected by Mosimane for next month’s qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, as well as the international friendly against Egypt. The call-up is only his second for the senior national team, after making his debut in June 2025.

The former Richards Bay player has recently rediscovered his goalscoring form across three competitions. He has found the net in the Betway Premiership, the MTN8 – in which Orlando Pirates reached the final – and the CAF Champions League.

His goal drought had brought criticism from parts of the Pirates support, but coach Abdeslam Ouaddou continued to back him. Khumalo believes Mbuthuma’s progress has been built on persistence and a willingness to keep improving rather than reacting publicly to setbacks.

“I would say to you, if it was easy all of us here in South Africa, we would be millionaires,” Khumalo said on The DNA Podcast.

“But unfortunately, you have to dig deep and go out and work for it, and that’s what this boy did. That’s all I can say. If it was easy, we’d all be millionaires. Have you ever seen this boy quarrelling or shouting or doing anything? He’s doing it quietly. Whether good or bad, he’s doing it quietly. He wakes up tomorrow and tries and fixes the mistake or try to make it better. That’s his secret.”

Khumalo, a former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder, also highlighted the striker’s contribution when Orlando Pirates do not have possession. He said Mbuthuma’s defensive work and understanding during transitions were as important as his finishing.

“I once said it that you will never find a striker like that who troubles defenders when they [his side] are out of possession. Look at how he harasses the opponents when they have the ball. And then let’s take the transition now in terms of his intelligence. Are you aware that in one game, he gave two assists. And then look at the assists he gave, and mind you, he’s a striker. That is a skill for defenders, but that game, those passes…Clearly, the boy slowly but surely is growing within the game.”

Khumalo compared Mbuthuma’s style with that of former Orlando Pirates forwards Mandla Sithole and Kingston Nkatha.

“I used to watch an Orlando Pirates striker called Metroblitz Sithole, that’s Mbuthuma,” added 16V.

“Metroblitz would harass you, you’ll sleep tired as defenders because of one striker. I was there when Kingston was signed. I said yes. He can run off the ball. He can be a transitional player.

“He himself he can be the first defender, and then he’s always at the right time at the right place to finish. That’s it.”