Ouaddou thanks Pitso for Mbuthuma call up

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says he is delighted that Pitso Mosimane has recognised the quality of Yanela Mbuthuma and handed him a return to the national team squad.

Ouaddou has been full of praise for the 24-year-old striker’s work rate and attitude even if fans have been critical of poor finishing ability.

Mbuthuma was picked among the forwards when Mosimane named his squad for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea this month, plus a friendly against Egypt in Cairo.

“I thank coach Pitso for noticing the quality of this boy. 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. It's a big answer for all those people who have believed in this boy.

“And it's not because he's in the national team that he 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.

“Even me, as a coach, I am 47 years old. When you stop learning, it's the end of your life. Everybody still has to learn. So, if I still have to learn, players in my team still have to work to be the best,” said Ouaddou.

Mbuthuma won a single cap previously in a 2-0 friendly win over Mozambique in Polokwane in June, 2025.