‘Confidence will return’ – Sebola backs under-pressure Orlando Pirates striker Mbuthuma

Former Orlando Pirates striker Andries Sebola has urged Yanele Mbuthuma to ignore the criticism surrounding his recent performances, saying the forward can regain his confidence by ending his scoring drought.

Mbuthuma has faced growing scrutiny after failing to score in a run of matches this season. His struggles in front of goal have also affected his confidence, despite being given more opportunities by the coach.

Sebola believes the 21-year-old’s fortunes could change quickly if he finds the net, but says he must improve his understanding with the players around him and sharpen his finishing during training.

“He must know his players that are playing around him first. If he can know how [Tshepang] Moremi, [Oswin] Appollis and [Patrick] Maswanganyi [play], their strengths and weaknesses, then he can position himself well inside the box,” Sebola told Sowetan.

“Yes, it is true he is missing chances, his confidence is down, even though the coach is giving him more time to play but the only advice I can give him is that he must work on his finishing at training.

“He needs somebody who can talk to him, especially [in] the technical team, to give him confidence.”

Mbuthuma joined Orlando Pirates after previously scoring goals for Richards Bay, but Sebola warned that the pressure at the Soweto club is significantly greater and that a prolonged loss of form could put his future under threat.

“If the supporters are against you, it’s difficult for you to score goals, like he used to at Richards Bay. Pirates are a big team. If he doesn’t pick up his form and score goals, I think they will put him on transfer.”

Sebola also told Mbuthuma not to become fixated on criticism from supporters. He said the forward’s priority should be to continue working hard and concentrate on improving his performances rather than reacting to the opinions of those in the stands.

“He must forget about the supporters. They are there to cheer the players but against you if you are not doing well, because they are spending a lot of money to come to the stadium, so they need results and they want to see the players performing. But he must just focus on his game and forget about the supporters.

“In his last game against Chippa United, he was even afraid to receive the ball, even the passes. It was disappointing for him after he missed the chance in the first half.”

The former Pirates forward believes one goal could be enough to restore Mbuthuma’s self-belief, although he advised him to remain composed and not antagonise supporters if he scores.

“The confidence will be back if he can score one goal and when he does that, he must not go and shout to the supporters because they have a right to say whatever they want.”

Mbuthuma will have another opportunity to respond on the pitch when Orlando Pirates travel to face Sekhukhune United in the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.

The match is scheduled to start at 3pm, with Mbuthuma under pressure to end his run without a goal.