Orlando Pirates supporters were left frustrated with striker Yanela Mbuthuma after he missed several chances during the Buccaneers’ 1-1 draw with AmaZulu on Wednesday evening.
The Buccaneers failed to turn their dominance into victory after taking the lead through Tshepang Moremi. Pirates were wasteful in front of goal and could not hold on to their advantage, with AmaZulu finding an equaliser just before halftime.
Despite searching for a winner in the second half, Pirates were unable to break through a resolute AmaZulu defence and had to settle for a point.
Mbuthuma fires blanks for Pirates again
Mbuthuma, in particular, came under fire from supporters for his performance in front of goal. Fans also questioned coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s decision to continue with the striker despite his lack of confidence.
The young forward has struggled to make a significant impact since joining Pirates, scoring fewer than 10 goals in more than 30 appearances for the Soweto giants.
Supporters have become increasingly frustrated with Mbuthuma, believing he has been given enough opportunities to establish himself as one of the league’s top finishers.
Following Wednesday’s draw, some Pirates supporters took to social media to jokingly suggest that Mbuthuma needs a cleansing ceremony to end his apparent bad luck in front of goal.
“Mbuthuma needs to do a cleansing ceremony, man, what type of bad luck is this,” wrote @khuthadzomunyai.
@W_Shabangu added: “Mbuthuma must organise some cleansing at home since he’s in KZN this week.”
Pirates fans not happy with Ouaddou for persisting with Mbuthuma
Another supporter, @papa_banco, questioned Ouaddou’s decision to continue selecting the striker.
“If we draw this game, I’m blaming Wadu! He’s forcing us Mbuthuma and you can even see from Mbuthuma he has no confidence. He shakes his head in disbelief every time he misses a chance.
“You can’t force a player who lacks confidence to start week in week out, you are not protecting him.”
@bongani_sono also offered his take, writing: “The chemical engineer must do something with him.”
With pressure mounting on both the striker and the Pirates attack, Mbuthuma will be hoping to rediscover his confidence and provide the goals the Buccaneers need as the season progresses.