Yanela Mbuthuma Scores Twice as Orlando Pirates Thrash Kruger United 4-0
Yanela Mbuthuma has finally lifted the weight off his shoulders and those of Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
He did so by scoring twice in a Betway Premiership match as Pirates thrashed Kruger United 4-0 on Tuesday.
The brace brought great joy to Ouaddou. The coach has continued to show faith in the young striker to deliver for the team..
This came despite Mbuthuma facing heavy criticism at the start of the season for failing to make the most of his chances.
However, the forward is now starting to show why Ouaddou has placed so much trust in him.
In last week’s MTN8 match, Mbuthuma provided two assists as Pirates beat Sekhukhune United 3-0.
On Tuesday at Mbombela Stadium, he came off the bench with around 15 minutes remaining. He then scored twice to complete a convincing victory for Pirates.
The result ensured that the Buccaneers remained top of the log, opening a three-point lead.
Gamphani Lungu opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Boitumelo Radiopane added the second in the second half.
Radiopane was then substituted for Mbuthuma, who came on and finished the job with his brace.
Speaking after the match, Ouaddou expressed his delight at seeing his strikers find the back of the net.
“There were matches where we created many chances but failed to score,” Ouaddou said.
“But today was a game where we didn’t create as many opportunities, yet we made good use of the ones we got.
“I am happy for these boys (Radiopane and Mbuthuma) because this will build their confidence.
“I am very pleased with their goals,” said the coach.
Ouaddou hopes Mbuthuma and Radiopane can maintain their goalscoring form.
Pirates will travel to Mauritius this weekend to face La Cure Waves in their opening CAF Champions League fixture.
The match will be the first leg of the first preliminary round in Africa’s premier club competition.
