Ouaddou hails Mosimane for recognising Mbuthuma’s Bafana Bafana quality

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has praised Pitso Mosimane for recognising Yanela Mbuthuma’s ability after the striker was recalled to the South Africa squad.

Mbuthuma has been selected for Bafana Bafana’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, as well as the subsequent international friendly against Egypt.

The 24-year-old’s inclusion is only his second call-up since June last year, following a period in which he faced criticism for failing to score or provide assists, particularly towards the end of last season and at the beginning of the current campaign.

Ouaddou continued to back his forward during that difficult spell. Mbuthuma has since rediscovered his form in front of goal, contributing goals and assists across three competitions, including the CAF Champions League.

The Orlando Pirates coach said the latest selection vindicated those who had continued to believe in Mbuthuma’s potential.

“First of all, I’m very happy and again I thank Coach Pitso to notice the quality of this boy,” said Ouaddou via PrimeSportsWithMahlatse.

“You know, if I notice that this boy has quality, and coach Pitso notices as well that he has quality, I think that this boy has something, you understand?”

Ouaddou added that the call-up should serve as an answer to Mbuthuma’s critics, while stressing that reaching the national team would not lessen the player’s responsibility to keep improving.

“So, it’s a big answer for all people who have doubt on this boy, and it’s not because he’s in the national team that is going to stop working.

“I will be behind him to push him to be at his best and to continue to work specifically in the areas of finishing.”