Ouaddou praises Pirates fans for backing Mbuthuma
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has praised the club’s Durban supporters for standing behind striker Yanela Mbuthuma during a difficult period.
Pirates fans were heard chanting Mbuthuma’s name during both matches at Kings Park Stadium last week. The support came as the striker faced criticism for missing chances and failing to score in the team’s matches this season.
Speaking after Pirates’ 3-0 win over Chippa United on Sunday, Ouaddou said the support had a positive impact on Mbuthuma. “If I take the example of Mbuthuma, if you analyse the game from a technician point of view, he is doing a good job for the team.
“For real. Of course now we expect him to be efficient in the final third. But that does not mean we must kill a fantastic player with lots of hope, with a big future at Pirates just because he is in a moment that is difficult for him.
“We have to support him, and I really thank the Durban fans from the bottom of my heart for the flowers they sent him today.
“It was a very strong message and you can see the boy was flying because he heard these fantastic words coming from the stands. “That is how it should be when we support a team.”
