Pirates forward tipped to win PSL Golden Boot – ‘Quality like major stars abroad’

A former Mamelodi Sundowns standout has thrown his support behind Orlando Pirates striker Yanela Mbuthuma, tipping the under-pressure forward to finish the season as the league’s top goalscorer.

Mbuthuma has shown signs of hitting his stride, providing two assists in the Buccaneers’ 3-0 MTN8 victory over Sekhukhune United last weekend.

He followed that performance with two well-executed goals against Kruger United in a league fixture at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday, bringing his season tally to two goals in four appearances.

According to former striker Sandile Ndlovu, the ex-Richards Bay FC marksman is poised to claim the Golden Boot, provided he receives consistent service from his teammates.

Pirates striker backed to light up PSL

“I always knew that once he started scoring, he wouldn’t stop,” Ndlovu, nicknamed ‘AK-47’ during his playing days, told KickOff. “He knows how to position himself, and even though he was missing chances, the potential was clear.”

Ndlovu highlighted Mbuthuma’s second goal against Kruger United as a display of exceptional skill and composure, arguing it was a finish beyond the capabilities of an average player.

☠️ FT | @KrugerUtdfc 0 – 4 @orlandopirates

🗣Yanela Mbuthuma

⚫⚪🔴⭐#MatchDay#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/HLEAmafUqC

— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) September 1, 2026

“That knee touch to set himself up while under pressure, the awareness to scan the two defenders chasing him, and still having the presence of mind to check the goalkeeper’s position—that was top class,” he explained.

“The way he chipped the keeper with a curling shot is the kind of quality you see from major stars abroad.”

Mbuthuma compared to stars abroad

The former Moroka Swallows player also dismissed criticism that Mbuthuma only scores simple goals.

“People are calling his first goal a tap-in, but he could have easily missed that!” Ndlovu stated. “It shows he has been working on his finishing. It’s not easy to score when the keeper is diving towards the very spot you’re aiming for, and he had a defender right behind him.”

“I’m pleased with the support the Pirates players are giving him,” the former striker concluded. “With teammates like that, Mbuthuma will be our league’s top goalscorer this season.”