Orlando Pirates striker Yanela Mbuthuma has just proved that football always gives you another chance.
Just days after missing a decisive penalty that saw the Buccaneers crash out of the CAF Champions League, the 23-year-old striker bounced back in top style.
ORLANDO PIRATES COACH ABDESLAM OUADDOU CLAPS FOR YANELA MBUTHUMA
Coming off the bench against Golden Arrows at a packed King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium, Mbuthuma smashed in two goals to seal a 3–1 win, and help the Buccaneers climb to second in the Betway Premiership.
“I just want to talk about the boy’s performance today,” Ouaddou told journalists. “He’s in good shape, good spirit, and every time we call him, he gives his best for the team. That’s what we expect from every player who wears this badge.”
The French-Moroccan tactician added to highlight that those moments are part of a developing striker. “When we give them a chance to perform, they must show it, and that’s exactly what he did. Well done to him,” Ouaddou added.
CARLING KNOCKOUT FINAL
In the meantime, Ouaddou is 90 minutes away from a second trophy in just four months after beating Richards Bay FC in the Carling Knockout (CKO) semis.
Just two months after lifting the MTN8, Ouaddou’s Pirates grabbed a ticket for the CKO final after a 1-0 win over Richards Bay.
A first-half strike from Tshepang Moremi was enough to see the Sea Robbers sail into the final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
According to Ouaddou, it was never a classic performance, but it was the kind of gritty performance that gets you into finals.
“I can’t say we had a fantastic game in terms of beautiful football,” Ouaddou told the media after the clash. “But it’s a cup game, we saw a strong team with good organisation and discipline.
“My players showed great resilience. Sometimes that’s all you need to reach the finals. It was a strong team performance throughout,” the Pirates mentor added.
Looking ahead, Amabhakabhaka will face Marumo Gallants in the final after beating Golden Arrows 4-3 on penalties after the game ended 2-2 at the King Zwelithini Stadium.