Ouaddou urges Orlando Pirates fans to keep backing Mbuthuma after MTN8 semi-final display

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has called on the club’s supporters to continue backing Yanela Mbuthuma after the striker received chants and cheers during Saturday’s 3-0 win over Sekhukhune United at the Amstel Arena.

Mbuthuma played a decisive role in the MTN8 semi-final second-leg victory, providing the assists for Orlando Pirates’ opening two goals. The result secured a 4-0 aggregate win over the Limpopo club and sent the defending champions into the final for a fifth consecutive season.

The 25-year-old’s contribution came after a difficult spell in which he had struggled to produce goals and assists. Although he had not always been a favourite among the Orlando Pirates supporters, his work against Sekhukhune United was rewarded with a much warmer reception inside the stadium.

Ouaddou said the response from the fans showed the value of giving players time and confidence, particularly when they are working through a challenging period.

“Look me, it don’t make me happy now this boy we trust him,” said Ouaddou on SuperSport TV.

“Sometimes in football you are in a difficult period. Like I said we have to give him confidence, trust him the performance will come. And today he did a good game and we have to continue to help him.

“I’m sure he’s the future of Pirates and we cannot kill him. Yeah, it’s not a secret, you know when you feel that you’ve been pushed by your own fans, they give you energy they give you power.

“It’s what I said all the time. Sometimes we have to be patient with our players, and when they feel this love, when they feel this support, you see what they can give you.

“So, yeah I think it can be a real lesson if we can have the support from our fans all year I hope we’ll bring him something.”

Mbuthuma joined Orlando Pirates from Richards Bay and had found it difficult to win over supporters while his attacking numbers remained limited. His performance in the semi-final, however, offered a clear response to the faith shown in him by the coaching staff.

For Ouaddou, the encouragement from the stands was as important as the forward’s contribution on the pitch. The coach believes sustained support throughout the season can help Mbuthuma build confidence and show his full ability.

Orlando Pirates will now prepare for their fifth successive appearance in the MTN8 final, having eliminated Sekhukhune United with a clean-sheet victory in the second leg.