Orlando Pirates have come under fire from former goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs, who has openly criticised the club’s reported signing of Richards Bay FC striker Yanela Mbuthuma. The 23-year-old forward has reportedly completed a move to the Soweto giants despite recently inking a fresh five-year deal with the Natal Rich Boyz, a deal signed just four weeks ago.
Mbuthuma had also attracted interest from Pirates’ fierce rivals Kaizer Chiefs. But if reports of the move are accurate, the Buccaneers would have had to pay a hefty transfer fee to secure his signature.
“Why are we looking for players from clubs that are not above the top eight [small teams]? No offence to the player that we have signed,” Josephs said on SoccerBeat.
“Look at how many goals he scored last season: he scored six goals in 27 games. However, no offence to him, but how many games did he start? So, that’s like one goal every six games, pardon me if my math is off.”
“But my mind is telling me that we should be looking at the big boys [from big clubs]. We should look inside the top eight teams because outside of the top eight, there’s nothing.”
Moremi signing earns Josephs’ approval
In contrast, Josephs had nothing but praise for Pirates’ acquisition of AmaZulu FC winger Tshepang Moremi. The 24-year-old, who officially joined the Buccaneers two days ago, impressed for Usuthu last season with four goals and seven assists in 31 appearances.
Josephs applauded Moremi’s attitude, hunger and potential to thrive at a big club.
“Yes, I like Tshepang Moremi. He looks the part and is hungry. That boy looks like he wants to do something and achieve things, you know,” said Josephs.
“So, he is not someone who is going to be happy with getting two pairs of Adidas tracksuits and one pair of sneakers and going to the mall.”
Is Mbuthuma a good Orlando Pirates signing?
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