“We need big boys” says Moeneeb Josephs, questioning Pirates’ Mbuthuma signing

Former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper, Moeneeb Josephs, has voiced his concerns regarding the Buccaneers’ reported acquisition of Richards Bay FC forward, Yanela Mbuthuma.

The 23-year-old striker, who was also linked with rivals Kaizer Chiefs, recently signed a new five-year deal with Richards Bay and is expected to join Pirates as they look to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.

Mbuthuma had a notable past season with Richards Bay, featuring in 27 games across all competitions, scoring six goals, and providing two assists. His impressive performances even earned him a Bafana Bafana call-up, where he debuted earlier this month in a 2-0 friendly win against Mozambique.

Josephs didn’t hold back his dissatisfaction with the move, arguing that Pirates, as a club aiming to compete at the highest level, should be targeting more established players from top-tier teams within the Betway Premiership’s top eight.

“Why are we looking for players from clubs that are not above the top eight? No offence to the player that we have signed,” Josephs told SoccerBeat. He emphasised the club’s ambition: “But our intentions and mentality are to go out there and compete.”

The Kenya National Team goalkeeper coach, Josephs also scrutinised Mbuthuma’s goal-scoring record, pointing out his six goals in 27 appearances.

“Look at how many goals he scored last season: he scored six goals in 27 games… So, that’s like one goal every six games, pardon me if my math is off,” he noted, while reiterating. “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.”

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