Orlando Pirates boss Abdeslam Ouaddou backs Yanela Mbuthuma to end goal drought

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says the club have chosen to keep faith in Yanela Mbuthuma despite growing criticism of the striker’s performances in front of goal.

Mbuthuma has faced increasing pressure from supporters during his recent run of games, with the former Richards Bay forward missing opportunities for the Buccaneers. However, Ouaddou has continued to select the 24-year-old and says the decision to support him has been shared by the club’s technical team.

Mbuthuma has made four appearances in all competitions this season but is still waiting to score his first goal of the campaign. Ouaddou’s continued backing suggests Pirates believe it is only a matter of time before the striker finds the net.

“There are two schools of thought. When you analysis the game as a technical and not like a fan…I don’t say that the fan cannot read the game, but there is a difference between the vision from outside and the vision we can get from the pitch and to have a player all the week and seeing what he can do in training and in the games,” Ouaddou told media on Thursday.

The Pirates manager believes Mbuthuma understands the team’s playing style and contributes significantly through his work away from the ball, even when his finishing has not produced goals.

“The amount of work he is doing without the ball. Now we cannot take out the good things he is doing. They are important for our team. There are two thoughts. I could take out the boy and put him on the side, and you bring him in. Maybe he can have some confidence, but on the other side, nobody can predict. Maybe you can kill his confidence. We have chosen, not only me, to keep trust in him, to give him chance.”

Ouaddou’s comments underline the balance facing a coach when a forward is struggling for confidence. Removing Mbuthuma from the team could give him time away from the spotlight, but it could also risk disrupting the progress the coaching staff believe he is making.

The Pirates coach said the technical team’s assessment differs from the view supporters may have from outside the pitch. His staff have watched Mbuthuma throughout the week in training as well as during matches, giving them a broader understanding of the striker’s contribution.

Pirates are also waiting for new striker Sebastien Pedersen to become available. Ouaddou confirmed that the club are currently working on Pedersen’s fitness, meaning Mbuthuma remains an important option for the side while the new arrival continues his preparation.

For now, Ouaddou has made clear that Mbuthuma will continue to receive opportunities, with Pirates trusting that his work rate and understanding of the team’s demands will eventually be rewarded with his first goal of the season.