Mbuthuma and co. get Pirates legend’s lifeline amid scrutiny

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Orlando Pirates striker Yanela Mbuthuma. (Photo: Gallo)

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Mbuthuma and co. get Pirates legend’s lifeline amid scrutiny

Aug 18, 2026 – 08:36 am
By Clifton Mabasa

Former Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela has offered words of encouragement to Yanela Mbuthuma and other Buccaneers players facing intense scrutiny from supporters.

Pirates supporters have been particularly critical of Mbuthuma as the striker continues to search for his first goal of the campaign, despite featuring in all four matches so far.

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Maela, who knows the demands that come with representing a club of Pirates’ stature, urged the players to remain focused and draw strength from the surroundings.

“Obviously, playing for a club like ours is not easy, but I always encourage the players that you must stay within the crew, stay within the team and don’t lose your focus in that space,” Maela said, speaking to KickOff during the reopening of the club’s store at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.

“Keep doing what you’re doing, eventually, your luck will turn around because all the players are giving their all, they are doing their best.

“Even when there’s pressure, even when there’s criticism, stay within the team, stay within the spaces where you’re loved and supported, and eventually your luck will turn around.”

Drawing from his own experience, Maela admitted that players can go through difficult spells, but stressed the importance of staying patient and working through them.

“We have been through that where things do not just go your way, but you are doing the right things each and every day,” he added.

“But at the end, the luck turns and when it does, you will soar higher and higher. So him and the team must just be within the confinement of the changing room because they are loved and supported.

“Every player goes through rough patches and you face a little bit of criticism.

“But I mean, it’s normal for a club like ours. My message to them is just keep going, keep pushing, your luck will eventually turn. I promise.”