Rodney Ramagalela urges Orlando Pirates striker Yanela Mbuthuma to stay calm

Former Mamelodi Sundowns striker Rodney Ramagalela has encouraged Orlando Pirates forward Yanela Mbuthuma to remain composed and keep working hard after his impressive return to form.

Mbuthuma has scored three goals in his past four matches for Pirates, a run which earned the 24-year-old a call-up to Bafana Bafana’s squad for the AFCON qualifiers.

He marked his international arrival by setting up Samukele Kabini for the winning goal against Guinea at Orlando Amstel Arena.

Ramagalela, who shared the Betway Premiership golden boot with Percy Tau in 2018, praised Mbuthuma for responding positively after a difficult period in his career.

“Up to now he has done well as a striker after so many words, booing and everything,” Ramagalela told iDiski Times.

Mbuthuma returned to league action and scored, a response Ramagalela said demonstrated the striker’s character.

“He comes back in a league game and scores a goal, and that shows character,” he said.

“My words are that he must continue working hard because that is what earns him a spot in the starting lineup.

“And the reward to the coach is to just make sure he continues to work hard.

“Whenever he gets a chance stay calm and make sure that you put the ball in the net.”