Orlando Pirates coach speaks on Yanela Mbuthuma Bafana call-up

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has discussed the national team call-up of Yanela Mbuthuma for the crucial Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers after swirling criticism.

The 24-year-old centre-forward had been under scrutiny owing to his lack of goals for the defending Betway Premiership champions, with the Bucs faithful demanding the no.9 to make the net bulge more often.

However, he has seemingly rediscovered his form as he chipped in with three goals and provided two assists in his last six appearances for the Buccaneers, which has somewhat silenced critics.

Having constantly backed Mbuthuma during his goal drought, Ouaddou is pleased that Bafana Bafana mentor Pitso Mosimane echoes the same sentiments about the player's qualities, and insists the striker won't rest on his laurels.

“You always need to work if you want to be the best in your position, if you want to be at the top of the log. If you want to win titles, you need to all the time push yourself and to work,” said the Pirates boss.

"So, first of all, I'm very happy and I thank coach Pitso again for noticing the quality of this boy. If I notice that this boy has quality and coach Pitso notice as well that he has quality - I think that this boy has something.

"It's a big answer for all the people who have doubts on this boy, and it's not because he's in the national team that he's going to stop working. I will be behind him, push him to be at his best and to continue to work, specifically in the area of finishing.

"Even me as a coach, I have 47 years of age, when you stop learning it's the end of the life. Everybody still has to learn. So, if I still have to learn then many people in my team still have to work to be the best.

Bafana, meanwhile, host Guinea at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, before facing Eritrea four days later at a neutral venue in Cairo, where they also tackle Egypt in an international friendly match on 04 October.

Hlayisani Magoro

Editorfr, en

Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

Related teams and leagues

South Africa

Orlando Pirates