Mbuthuma ends scoring drought with brace as Orlando Pirates strengthen second-place position

Orlando Pirates striker Yanela Mbuthuma says scoring goals is not as difficult as it may appear, insisting that patience, composure under pressure and taking the chances that come along are the main ingredients for success.

Mbuthuma made the claim after ending his wait for a goal this season with a brace in Orlando Pirates’ 4-0 victory over newcomers Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday night.

The striker had come under pressure after failing to open his account, but he made an immediate impact after being introduced from the bench. His two goals completed a convincing win for the Buccaneers and helped them establish a three-point lead over Mamelodi Sundowns in second place.

Orlando Pirates made a fast start, taking the lead after only four minutes when Kamogelo Sebelebele was brought down in the penalty area. Gamphani Lungu converted the resulting spot-kick to put the hosts in front.

Boitumelo Radiopane then added a second goal before Mbuthuma took over the scoring in the closing stages.

His performance continued the form he showed in the second leg of Orlando Pirates’ Sekhukhune United MTN8 semi-final, when he created two goals with a brace of assists. Against Kruger United, however, he finished the job himself by finding the net twice.

Mbuthuma said the visitors’ willingness to attack had made the match demanding, but explained that Orlando Pirates had remained focused on the plan set out by their coach.

“What I can say is that the game was very difficult, these people ran at us,” he told the Pirates media.

“What we planned was to score and win. We knew that they would not be better than us though they would come at us. We tried hard so that we score plenty of goals.

“The coach told us to be patient and we will get chances even if they come at us, we will get opportunities to score.

“I’m very happy for the support that I’ve been getting from the fans. It’s actually not that really hard to be a striker. You don’t need to overload yourself with pressure.

“As games go by, chances present themselves that’s why I was able to convert them today and I’m very happy.”

The victory gave Mbuthuma his first goals of the season and provided a significant boost after a difficult period in front of goal. His contribution also ensured that Orlando Pirates finished the match with four goals, having been encouraged by their coach to remain patient even when Kruger United pressed forward.

Mbuthuma credited the support of the club’s fans and said his experience against Kruger United reinforced the importance of not allowing pressure to affect a striker’s confidence. His goals came after the earlier efforts from Lungu and Radiopane had put the Buccaneers in control.

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