Yanela Mbuthuma of Orlando Pirates challenged by Tsepo Matsimbi of Sekhukhune United during the MTN8 semi-final match the home side won 3-0 at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.
Image: BackpagePix
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has backed Yanela Mbuthuma to silence his critics after the striker played a key role in their MTN8 semi-final victory over Sekhukhune United.
Mbuthuma, who has been the target of boos from some Pirates supporters in recent weeks, registered two assists as the Buccaneers cruised to a 3-0 victory in the second leg at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.
The performance earned praise from Ouaddou, who believes the young striker still has a big future at the club.
“Look! Me, it doesn’t make me happy now, this boy, we trust him,” Ouaddou said after the game.
“Sometimes in football you are in a difficult period. Like I said we have to give him confidence, trust him, the performance will come. And today he played a good game and we have to continue to help him.
“I’m sure he is the future of Pirates, and we cannot kill a boy like that. It’s what makes it so great when you feel that you’re being pushed by your own fans, they give you energy, power so all the time what I said, sometimes you have to be patient with the players and when they feel this love, support you’ll see what they can give you.
“So, I think it can be a lesson if we can have the support from our fans, I hope it will bring him something,” added Ouaddou.
Following their MTN8 victory over Sekhukhune, Pirates will now turn their attention to Tuesday’s Betway Premiership clash against Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium.
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