Yanela Mbuthuma's recent performances have put him firmly on the radar of some of the PSL's big guns, with both Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs understood to be interested in acquiring his services.
The Richards Bay FC forward's display against Chiefs in his team's 2-0 victory has only added to the growing speculation about his future in the Betway Premiership.
Read – New Chapter After Chiefs: Ramushu's Contract Details Revealed
Former Richards Bay coach Brandon Truter, who has worked closely with Mbuthuma, has provided insight into the young striker's capabilities and potential.
Truter acknowledges Mbuthuma as a talented player with the right attributes to succeed at a high level.
He recalls how he frequently challenged the forward in training, pushing him to refine his skills and improve his overall game.
However, despite his promising abilities, Truter points out that statistics do not favour the young striker.
In a footballing landscape where strikers are primarily judged by their goal-scoring records, Mbuthuma has yet to establish himself among the elite.
Truter emphasises that for a player to be mentioned alongside the likes of the late Lesley Manyathela, Collins Mbesuma, and Peter Shalulile, he must have the numbers to back up his talent.
While Mbuthuma shows flashes of brilliance, his goalscoring record does not yet place him in that category.
The coach also raises concerns about the striker's appeal to European clubs, noting that in the modern game, top clubs look at performance data before making recruitment decisions. Without a strong statistical backing, it would be difficult for Mbuthuma to secure a move overseas at this stage of his career, according to Truter.
With interest from domestic giants, the next step for Mbuthuma will be crucial. If he can sharpen his finishing and add consistency to his performances, he has the potential to become a top-tier striker in South African football.
"Yeah, Mbuthuma, I know him very well. He is a player that I've challenged a lot at training. He is a player that possesses a lot of attributes to be a top striker. In a right environment, he will flourish," said Truter, speaking exclusively to the Siya crew.
Read – How Riveiro's Future Could Change Saleng's Decision
"But he is also a player that stats don't back him. When you are a striker, you get judged on goals, and that's where it points to. With young players, it's about doing more – getting on that level where you can talk about Lesley Manyathela, Collins Mbesuma, Peter Shalulile and these guys – and all these guys have goals to back them up. With those guys, whatever you need to talk about, whether it's bad or good, and they point to their goals, you can't argue with that - they are strikers. It depends on what type of striker you need and that moment, and that's how I look at it. Do we want to develop a complete striker that can compete? At this moment, if a European team is coming for Yanela and looks at his stats, there will be no chance that he will leave our shores," said the coach.
