Orlando Pirates striker Yanela Mbuthuma going through a bit of a goal drought.
Abdeslam Ouaddou has continued to back his under-pressure striker Yanela Mbuthuma, saying he cannot demoralise him, though that choice could come back to haunt him if he loses his job at Orlando Pirates.
Mbuthuma has come under heavy criticism at Pirates in recent months after failing to be clinical in front of goal, despite being the preferred No 9 ahead of players such as Evidence Makgopa, who recently got injured.
Having made little to no contribution in the latter stages of Pirates’ Betway Premiership triumph and early in their league and MTN8 defence – including missing sitters that looked easier to score – calls have been made for Ouaddou to drop the towering striker.
This was suggested to protect the striker from further criticism, which had escalated to threats against him and his family, while time off was also expected to give him a chance to rest and clear his head.
