Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has reacted to the cheers and chants striker Yanela Mbuthuma received from fans at the Amstel Arena after the side’s 3-0 win over Sekhukhune United in the MTN8 semi-final second leg clash.
Mbuthuma, 25, provided assists for the opening two goals as the defending champions sealed a 4-0 aggregate victory over the Limpopo side and booked a fifth straight appearance in the final of the Cup.
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The former Richards Bay forward wasn’t a fan favourite for while as he struggled to get goals and assists. But the fans inside the Arena rewarded his efforts on Saturday with warmth.
The coach was pleased to see Mbuthuma repay faith kept in him, adding that this how fans should be backing players all year long.
“Look me, it don’t make me happy now this boy we trust him,” said Ouaddou on SuperSport TV.
“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 did a good game and we have to continue to help him.
“I’m sure he’s the future of Pirates and we cannot kill him. Yeah, it’s not a secret, you know when you feel that you’ve been pushed by your own fans, they give you energy they give you power.
“It’s what I said all the time. Sometimes we have to be patient with our players, and when they feel this love, when they feel this support, you see what they can give you.
“So, yeah I think it can be a real lesson if we can have the support from our fans all year I hope we’ll bring him something.”