Orlando Pirates News Today: ‘Why?’ Star’s selection questioned, transfer updates & more

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Orlando Pirates News Today: ‘Why?’ Star’s selection questioned, transfer updates & more

Latest Orlando Pirates news in the last 24 hours, including questions about Yanela Mbuthuma making the Bafana Bafana squad, Abdeslam Ouaddou shedding light on the work Training121, and more.

Questions over Mbuthuma’s Bafana selection: ‘Why?’

Junior Khanye has expressed shock at the selection of Orlando Pirates striker Yanela Mbuthuma & Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Themba Zwane in the Bafana Bafana squad.

The duo form part of Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane’s 30-man squad for the back-to-back 2027 CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea at Orlando Amstel Arena on 26 September and Eritrea on 30 September, before facing Egypt in an additional friendly match next month.

Mbuthuma has been under fire since making the switch to Pirates from Richards Bay, and despite his struggle in front of goal, he has found his scoring boots this season, where he has netted twice with two assists in nine outings across all competitions.

‘Mshishi’ on the other hand, has been a bit-part player under Miguel Cardoso and has made five appearances, providing two assists in all competitions this campaign.

Speaking on Metro FM’s Sports Night Amplified With Andile, Khanye questioned the inclusion of the two players more especially Zwane, who has not been a regular starter at Masandawana.

“The bringing of the likes of Mbuthuma, me, I don’t understand. I love coach Pitso, and I love his identity. The way his team plays, I love him,” he stated.

“So, coach Pitso bringing Mbuthuma, I don’t understand why; that’s why many people will ask questions. I love Themba Mshishi. He’s done well for himself individually, but it’s unnecessary for me. He’s not playing for Sundowns.

Yanela Mbuthuma of Orlando Pirates celebrates his goal.
Yanela Mbuthuma of Orlando Pirates celebrating his goal, Image: SS Football

“You’re bringing him in for what? I don’t understand. I know they’ve got a good relationship they come a long way with coach Pitso and Mshishi.

“But currently, you’re saying you’re judging players based on their current performance, and then Mshishi where’s he going? He’s not even playing at Sundowns regularly. So, it doesn’t make sense as well,” he concluded.

Ouaddou opens up on individual player development

Orlando Pirates have quietly invested in another layer of individual player development, with head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou shedding light on the work Training121 is doing behind the scenes at the club.

The Siya crew reported in June that the Buccaneers had secretly enlisted the services of Training121, Ireland’s leading extra training provider, with the programme working with players on areas including finishing, scanning, decision-making and football intelligence.

Training121’s involvement was not initially communicated publicly, but Ouaddou has now explained why Pirates felt the need to bring in specialists who could work with players on an individual basis.

Speaking after Pirates’ 2-0 victory over Durban City at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Thursday, the Moroccan coach confirmed that Training121 has been working with the club since last season.

“Look, they’ve been working with us since last season. We just didn’t communicate about them.

“But maybe we didn’t see the fruit of their work straight away. All the time, when you work, you don’t see the benefits of this work straight away. It took a little bit of time.

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. Image: Orlando Pirates

“But I think in our planification, in our prioritisation, there is all the time a room for IDP, individual development plan, especially for the young players. Because you have to understand that when you come into a professional group, especially when you’re still young, the development is not finished. So they are here for that.

“Not only them. We have Mxolisi, we have Rayaan Jacobs, we have Junior as well, the coach of the other team. That’s taking defenders, taking strikers, midfielders, and there is a lot of area to work.

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Willis Sob

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Willis Sob is a sports betting expert and journalist covering Nigeria and South Africa, with 16 years of experience. With a background in journalism, reporting and programme production, he specialises in football odds, and his work has appeared on OK Africa and GOAL, as well as TV, radio and podcasts.

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