Ramagalela backs Mbuthuma to end Pirates goal drought

Former Mamelodi Sundowns striker Rodney Ramagalela believes Orlando Pirates forward Yanela Mbuthuma is close to ending his wait for a first goal of the season, despite coming under increasing pressure after missing several chances.

Mbuthuma’s difficult start continued in Pirates’ Betway Premiership meeting with AmaZulu FC at Kings Park Stadium on Wednesday. The striker was unable to convert the opportunities that came his way and left the field visibly disappointed as the criticism surrounding his finishing intensified.

The forward has started all three of Orlando Pirates’ matches this season but is still searching for his first goal. Ramagalela, who also played for Black Leopards, has urged Mbuthuma to remain focused on the qualities that previously earned him a move to the Soweto giants.

“I know he is very strong. He is a big boy. He has to know and understand what is expected of him on the pitch, and he needs to score goals,” says the man who also turned out for Black Leopards.

Ramagalela believes a return to the habits Mbuthuma developed at Richards Bay FC could help him find the net. He said the forward must improve his positioning, anticipate defenders’ movements and ensure he is in the right areas to receive the ball.

“For me, I believe he signed for Pirates because he was scoring goals previously. He just needs to go back and do the things he was doing at Richards Bay [FC] to be able to score goals, which is to be in the right positions and be able to read the movements of the defenders for him to be in a good position to get the ball.

“This is because, for me, it’s all about that luck he needs to get the ball inside the net.

The former Sundowns player rejected the suggestion that Mbuthuma is being starved of opportunities. Instead, he believes the striker’s immediate priority should be converting the openings already being created for him.

“I won’t say he is not getting chances, he is getting the chances, but he needs he makes sure he buries them. That’s why I am saying it’s a very difficult thing when the striker is not getting the balls, but I believe in the next game he will be able to get one and boost his confidence,” added Ramagalela.

Ramagalela’s message comes as Pirates prepare for their next fixture against Chippa United at Kings Park on Sunday. The match is scheduled to begin at 15:00.

Mbuthuma will hope the meeting provides the chance to end his scoring drought and rebuild his confidence. Ramagalela’s view is that one goal could change the striker’s fortunes, particularly given that he has already been finding positions and getting chances during the opening games of the campaign.