{
  "id": 1701912,
  "title": "Orlando Pirates coach backs Yanela Mbuthuma amid goal drought",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/orlando-pirates-coach-backs-yanela-mbuthuma-amid-goal-drought",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-18T12:09:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/sport/soccer/psl/2026-08-18-orlando-pirates-coach-backs-yanela-mbuthuma-amid-goal-drought/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Orlando Pirates' coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has defended striker Yanela Mbuthuma amid a goal drought, urging supporters to back the 24-year-old. Mbuthuma has faced criticism for his finishing during the early matches of the Betway Premiership season, but the coach argued that those who analyze his performances correctly will recognize his valuable contributions to the team. Ouaddou acknowledged that the striker needs to improve his clinical finish in the final third, but emphasized that Mbuthuma's future with the club remains promising. The coach's comments come as increased scrutiny is placed on Mbuthuma's position, especially after Pirates' decision to sign new attacking options. Despite the competition, Ouaddou remains committed to supporting Mbuthuma's confidence and believes that the team's fans can play a crucial role in helping the striker regain his form. Ouaddou expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Durban supporters for their warm reception of Mbuthuma, noting that their appreciation sent a powerful message. While recognizing Mbuthuma's overall contributions, the coach expects him to translate his work rate and movement into more goals as the defending champions continue their title defense.",
  "summary": "Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou defends striker Yanela Mbuthuma, urging fans to support him despite his current goal drought, highlighting his overall contributions to the team",
  "key_points": [
    "Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou defends Yanela Mbuthuma amid goal drought.",
    "Mbuthuma criticized for finishing, coach sees value in his contributions.",
    "Ouaddou expects Mbuthuma to improve clinical finishing."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}