Ouaddou urges Orlando Pirates strikers to rediscover their scoring touch

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says it is vital for his forwards to become regular scorers after the club’s attacking players showed signs of improvement in recent matches.

The Sea Robbers had struggled for goals from their striking department, with their main number nine, Yanela Mbuthuma, finding it difficult to convert his chances. As a result, Orlando Pirates had increasingly depended on players from other positions to provide the goals.

That pattern changed when Boitumelo Radiopane scored in the league meeting with Sekhukhune United, becoming the first centre-forward to find the net for the side during that run.

Mbuthuma then played a key role in the MTN8 semi-final second leg against Sekhukhune United, supplying two assists before scoring twice in the match against Kruger United.

Ouaddou welcomed the contribution from his attacking players and said he was pleased to see them finish the opportunities created by the team.

“Look, the positive point, there are some games where we create a lot of chances and we didn’t manage to be efficient,” said Ouaddou.

“And that game, we didn’t create so many chances, and we managed to score four goals.

“So well done, well done to the boys. These goals came in an important moment where we will play the Champions League, we will play the MTN.

“So, I think it’s really important for the boys to start to score and to bring that competition in the team. It will be very important.”

The coach believes the recent goals can help create greater competition among the players competing for places in the forward line. He also stressed the importance of the timing of the goals, with Orlando Pirates preparing to feature in the Champions League and the MTN.

For Ouaddou, the issue is not simply about one striker ending a personal scoring drought. He wants the forwards to contribute consistently and ensure the team makes better use of the chances it creates.

The four-goal performance against Kruger United offered an important response after earlier matches in which Orlando Pirates had been unable to turn a high number of opportunities into goals. Mbuthuma’s two assists in the MTN8 semi-final second leg and his subsequent brace also provided evidence of a more productive contribution from the club’s recognised number nine.

Radiopane’s earlier goal against Sekhukhune United had already ended the wait for a centre-forward to score, while Mbuthuma’s latest performances have added further encouragement to the club’s attacking options.

Ouaddou now wants that progress to continue as Orlando Pirates approach their upcoming Champions League and MTN commitments. He believes regular goals from the forwards will strengthen the squad and increase competition within the team.

The iDiski Times Digital Newspaper is completely free. Readers can download it using the button provided or complete the form to have it sent to them every week.