Former Orlando Pirates striker Marks Maponyane has praised Yanela Mbuthuma for his growing influence in the Buccaneers’ campaign this season.
Mbuthuma made a surprise move from Richards Bay FC and has since shown promising signs in a Pirates shirt.
The 24-year-old has become one of head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s trusted players, a development that saw Tshegofatso Mabasa sent out on loan.
He has also moved ahead of Evidence Makgopa in the pecking order and is now the club’s leading striker.
Despite this, Mbuthuma has had a mixed reception from supporters, with some questioning his goal return.
However, Ouaddou has consistently defended the striker, insisting his value goes beyond scoring — a view Maponyane fully supports.
Speaking to SoccerBeat, Maponyane highlighted Mbuthuma’s movement and ability to trouble defenders as key strengths.
“If you have noticed, he is drawing defenders away and he’s a nuisance in the box. He’s not static. And he is the best aerial player at Pirates now,” said Maponyane.
He also compared Mbuthuma’s style to former striker Thamsanqa Gabuza, noting clear differences in their approach.
“I don’t look at him as your Gabuza of this world, but he brings something slightly different. He’s not big and bullish, but he is leaping nicely. That’s his advantage.”
With Mbuthuma leading the attack as a lone striker, other attackers like Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis have managed to find spaces and score goals.
He is among the players expected to have a bog impact in Sunday’s Soweto derby where Pirates meet their traditional rival Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium.