Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou praises Yanela Mbuthuma and the value of modern strikers

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says he is encouraged by the attacking depth in his squad, singling out young striker Yanela Mbuthuma for the positive influence he has made since joining from Richards Bay FC.

The Buccaneers have now shifted their focus to the Nedbank Cup last-32 clash against ABC Motsepe Championship side Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila, which will be played at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

With the pressure that comes with leading a club of Pirates’ stature, Ouaddou has also had to deal with ongoing selection debates, as both the match-day squad and starting line-up continue to draw attention. 

The arrival of several new players has increased competition across the pitch, forcing players to consistently fight for places. His readiness to rotate the squad and provide opportunities has, in recent games, resulted in greater stability in team selection.

Mbuthuma has stood out among the new additions, producing strong performances despite stiff competition in the striking department. His displays have helped him establish himself as one of the key options in attack.

The forward’s recent goal against Magesi not only secured an important victory but also took his tally to three goals in nine appearances across all competitions this season, further strengthening Pirates’ attacking unit.

“I like local talent, and when you have local talent, you have to give them the opportunity to shine,” Ouaddou said.

“Before looking at what is happening elsewhere, or thinking if the grass is greener in other countries, you have to look at what you have in your country, and we have talent in the country, and we are using him well, like other players.

“We have talent in guys like (Boitumelo) Radiopane, Mbuthuma and (Evidence) Makgopa, and they are all good players we can use.

“What I can tell you about Mbuthuma, he is a modern striker. What I like about the three strikers is the capacity to play without the ball. Some people think the strikers are in the box just to score.”

Following Tshegofatso Mabasa’s loan move to Stellenbosch FC for the rest of the season, Ouaddou still believes he has enough attacking options at his disposal. He stressed that the modern game demands forwards who can contribute in multiple phases of play, not just in front of goal.

“That kind of football is finished — the type of football where you play slow and play in a five square metre, that type of football is finished. In the new model of football you have to be efficient with the ball and efficient in the box when you get the ball.

“You have to be mobile, you have to play with the ball as well when we find you in the pocket, you have to make runs without the ball and when we are pressing we have to recover the ball together.”

Pirates’ current 13-match unbeaten league run, according to Ouaddou, is built on teamwork and collective effort, with the strikers playing an important defensive role from the front.

“People try to understand why we are so strong. We are that strong because everybody is working in our team, it’s not only the back four. (Mbekezeli) Mbokazi has left; he was one of the best players in the country, but the system remains effective because everyone is working, and my first defenders are my strikers.

“Mbuthuma has the ability and the fitness to help us with the first effort of five seconds to allow his midfielders and defenders to recover the ball, and somebody who cannot do this, or maybe is lazy, cannot play at a high level or at least in my team.”