Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has praised his South African senior national team counterpart Pitso Mosimane for noticing Yanela Mbuthuma’s quality.
Ouaddou said this following his striker’s call-up to the Bafana Bafana squad that will play the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, followed by the international friendly match against Egypt.
- ALSO READ: Mosimane Clarifies Matuludi’s Bafana Inclusion
- Pitso: Makhanya Is Raising His Hand For Bafana Opportunity
When Mbuthuma came under fire for lack of goals and assists especially towards the end of last season and start of the current one, Ouaddou kept faith in the forward. The 24-year-old has recently found his scoring boots in three competitions including the CAF Champions League with goals and assists.
He earned his place in the Bafana set-up, only his second time since June last year and Ouaddou said he was pleased by the call-up saying it’s an answer to those who have doubted Mbuthuma.
“First of all, I’m very happy and again I thank Coach Pitso to notice the quality of this boy,” said Ouaddou via PrimeSportsWithMahlatse.
“You know, if I notice that this boy has quality, and coach Pitso notices as well that he has quality, I think that this boy has something, you understand?”
“So, it’s a big answer for all people who have doubt on this boy, and it’s not because he’s in the national team that is going to stop working.
“I will be behind him to push him to be at his best and to continue to work specifically in the areas of finishing.”
Did you know that the iDiski Times Digital Newspaper is completely free! Download it now by clicking the button below or fill in the form to have it sent to you every week.