Mbuthuma urged to ignore critics as Sebola backs Pirates forward to rediscover scoring form

Former Orlando Pirates striker Andries Sebola has urged Yanele Mbuthuma to block out criticism and keep working on his finishing, saying the forward’s confidence will return once he scores again.

Mbuthuma has endured a difficult spell in front of goal, drawing criticism after failing to convert opportunities in successive matches for Orlando Pirates this season. Sebola believes the 25-year-old’s struggles have affected his confidence, but says one goal could be enough to change his fortunes.

“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.

Mbuthuma joined Pirates from Richards Bay and has found the pressure at the Soweto club particularly demanding. Sebola said the forward must improve his understanding with the attacking players around him, while also using training to sharpen his finishing.

“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.

“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.”

Despite the growing scrutiny, Sebola warned Mbuthuma that concentrating on the reaction of supporters could further damage his performances. He said the striker should instead focus on his own game and the demands of playing for a club whose fans expect results.

“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 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 end his drought when Orlando Pirates travel to face Sekhukhune United in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday. Kick-off is at 15:00.

The forward is expected to be determined to make an impact as Pirates continue their pursuit of progress in the competition.