Former Orlando Pirates striker Lehlohonolo Majoro has defended misfiring striker Yanela Mbuthuma, saying he’s doing phenomenal work off the ball to create chances for his teammates.
Mbuthuma has failed to find the back of the net this season despite getting clear-cut chances to score, and he has been heavily criticized by the supporters.
The Buccaneers added Norwegian striker Sebastian Pedersen during the off-season, while Makgopa remains an option for the number nine position.
This off-season reinforcement comes at a time when the striking position is attracting increased scrutiny, after both Makgopa and Mbuthuma struggled to reach double digits last season.
Speaking in an exclusive interview today [Wednesday] with SportsZone, Majoro insists that Mbuthuma has been doing a tremendous job for the Buccaneers despite being unable to score.
Obviously, people have high expectations when you play for a big team such as Orlando Pirates – a lot is expected,” Majoro told SportsZone
I believe he has been doing a tremendous job other than scoring goals, because a normal person will judge a striker based on not scoring goals.
But they don’t see the work he does to open up space for his teammates and try to recover the ball for their teammates.
But for me as a former striker, I know it’s not easy being a striker – there is always constant pressure.
And he’s not there by mistake he’s talented and he just has to continue doing what he does best.”
Orlando Pirates will take on Sekhukhune United at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday at 15h00 in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-finals.
Tickets are available for R100 at Shoprite, Usave, Checkers and Open Tickets outlets nationwide, as well as online.