Yanela Mbuthuma reveals grandmother's shock after Orlando Pirates move! Striker insists 'everything is going well' but makes a rallying call to fans - 'Support me'

Orlando Pirates have made massive changes in both their technical and playing unit ahead of the 2025/26 Premier Soccer League campaign.

Coach Jose Riveiro left after his contract expired and joined Egyptian champions Al Ahly, with Abdeslam Ouaddou replacing him.

The former Morocco international has since been joined by Sipho Mbule, Yanela Mbuthuma, Masindi Nemtajela, Tshepang Moremi, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Abdoulaye S Mariko, Sinoxolo Kwayiba, Tshepo Mashiloane, Sihle Nduli, Oswin Appollis, and Kamogelo Sebelebele.

Despite having the likes of Tshegofatso Mabasa and Evidence Makgopa in their attacking department, Bucs saw the need to have another forward.

They went for Yanela Mbuthuma, who scored five goals and provided two assists in the 24 games he played for Richards Bay.

The versatile attacker has since revealed who he told first about his move, and how he is adapting to life at Bucs.

“I am here to work, so I ask the supporters to support me,” he said in his interview with SuperSport TV.
“The first person I told about my Pirates move is my grandmother because I live with her.

"It was very important to tell her before I told anyone else," the 23-year-old attacker recalls.

“I told her I had some good news, and she was very happy that I'd taken a big step in my career, joining a big team such as Pirates.

"She didn't believe me at first, but I told her that I wasn't lying at all. So far, everything [at Pirates] is going well for me at the Buccaneers. I am being treated well, so I can't complain,” Mbuthuma concluded.

Mbuthuma knows Pirates are not Richards Bay; the pressure is high, and he will be needed to deliver consistently.

The attacker might make his debut on August 2 when Bucs begin their MTN8 title defence with a tricky outing against Polokwane City.