Abdeslam Ouaddou Opens Up on Yanela Mbuthuma’s Missed Penalty, Shares What He Told Him

• Abdeslam Ouaddou has shared what he told Yanela Mbuthuma after Orlando Pirates' defeat against Saint Eloi Lupopo in the CAF Champions League
• The former Richards Bay forward missed a penalty during the shootout after the Buccaneers pulled up a heroic comeback in the second leg
• The Bucs fans also aired their views on what Ouaddou told Mbuthuma after the penalty miss on social media

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has opened up about his conversation with Yanela Mbuthuma following the youngster’s missed penalty in their 5-4 shoot-out loss to Saint Eloi Lupopo in the CAF Champions League on Saturday, October 25, 2025.

The Buccaneers had produced a stunning comeback after losing the first leg 3-0 in Kinshasa, scoring three goals to claw their way back into the contest, and many believed Oswin Appollis's dramatic late equaliser had given them the edge heading into the penalty shoot-out.

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The Premier Soccer League giants went on to lose the shoot-out, with Mbuthuma, who was on the scoresheet during the match, missing his own penalty. The former Richards Bay striker was not the only Pirates player to miss from the spot; Deon Hotto also missed.

Ouaddou talks about what he told Mbuthuma

Ouaddou opened up that the first player he approached after the game was Mbuthuma, following his missed penalty.

He said he immediately went onto the pitch to encourage the youngster, telling him to keep his head up and be proud of his performance, as he had scored an important goal earlier in the match, which had been crucial.

The former Marumo Gallants coach added that without Mbuthuma’s contribution, the team might have lost the game sooner. He reminded the player that he is still young, with many competitions ahead, and assured him that he will play an important role for the team this season.

The Moroccan tactician also praised the unity within the squad, saying he was pleased to see all the players rally around Mbuthuma to support him during such a difficult moment. He emphasised that true team spirit is shown not when things are going well, but when challenges arise.

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“The players showed great solidarity toward him,” Ouaddou said. “We’ll keep working, and life must go on for him.”

Ouaddou's remarks about what he told Mbuthuma went viral on social media, with football fans sharing their thoughts on his actions.

Gibbs_mk wrote:

"Thank you for saying that @orlandopirates tell Mbuthuma we are 💯 fully behind him. We kicked that penalty with him, we all missed."

kgauza implied:

"To be proud of himself because South Africa is proud of him for what he did. He is a countryman ,a real soldier!! Viva Mbuthuma Viva!!!"

Pablo Python reacted:

"No player wants to lose a match NEVER. He played his parts, scored, missed and even assisted a miss and assisted a goal. Tts football, Mbuthuma stand up and say to yoself, i played my part nd needs to improve for best. Life goes on."

The Other Springer said:

"That boy thinks he is still playing for Richards Bay where he can do what he did with a penalty😡😡😡 As from today, I'm a big hater of that boy."

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Ayanda Mathwala commented:

"Great my coach. That player still has a lot to offer for SA football. It's good that he has a cool headed and rational leader like you. Buccaneer👏."

Ntsari02 shared:

"We need this spirit throughout the league man, our problem will be only sundowns, and we can deal with them ourselves."

Mpumelelo Duffy 🦆 added:

"I stand with coach here. We fought we lost, nothing else,focus on to the next 1"

Ouaddou speaks on Pirates' loss to Lupopo

Briefly News earlier reported that Ouaddou commented on Pirates' defeat against Lupopo in the return in South Africa.

The former Moroccan international shared his thoughts about blaming the players for the defeat.

Source: Briefly News