Majoro tips Mbuthuma to shine as Pirates face Sundowns in MTN8 final

Former Orlando Pirates striker Lehlohonolo Majoro believes Yanela Mbuthuma’s outstanding work rate deserves to be rewarded with a goal when Pirates meet Mamelodi Sundowns in Saturday’s MTN8 final.

The sold-out match will be played at Moses Mabhida Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 6pm.

Mbuthuma has made a strong impression in recent weeks, contributing three assists and two goals in his past five appearances. His latest assist came on his Bafana Bafana debut against Guinea.

While his attacking returns have attracted attention, Majoro says the forward’s willingness to work for the team and create opportunities for others is just as important.

“This is a cup final, this is where being ruthless in front of goals plays a huge role because you might get an opportunity early in the match and it might be the only one you get the entire game,” he told IOL Sport.

“With Mbuthuma, I love his work rate, which is something people overlook, the job of a striker is not only to score goals, it’s also to create goals and create spaces for your teammates to use and he has done that exceptionally.”

Majoro believes Mbuthuma should now complete his recent run of impressive performances by finding the net in the final.

“I would like to see him score a goal just to cap off everything he has been doing of late in the previous rounds and as well as getting that assist for Bafana, so the only way for football to reward him is by getting a goal.”

The Pirates forward will, however, have to contend with a formidable Sundowns attack. Bryan Leon, Iqraam Rayners and Cassius Mailula all offer threats at the other end, with Majoro particularly aware of Leon’s ability to punish opponents when he is in form.

He also believes Mailula’s return has strengthened Sundowns’ attacking options.

“We know Leon, we know that if he’s in the mood, he can score at any given chance. With Mailula also coming back and we’ve also seen him score goals which also speaks to the environment that allows a player to function.”

The final brings together Pirates’ pursuit of a fifth consecutive MTN8 title and Sundowns’ attempt to stop their dominance in the competition.

With both teams possessing dangerous attacking players, Majoro expects the individual battle in the final third to have a significant bearing on the outcome.