‘Juju’ has become a firm favourite among the boo boys in recent months, but silenced his critics with a last-minute equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Kaizer Chiefs at the weekend – a result which ensured they stay top of the log.
“It’s difficult to play under those circumstances, but the support I am getting from the technical team and my teammates has been encouraging,” Mbuyane tells snl24.com/kickoff.
“Supporters will always have their opinion and there no reason to argue with them. They should know that I don’t have a problem with them and they must continue to come in big numbers to support the team.
“This is the stage of the season when we need everybody to contribute to the success of the team, including the fans.”
Mbuyane describes his goal against Amakhosi in the Soweto Derby as one of the best in his career.
“I have never scored a goal against Chiefs, even when I was still playing for Free State Stars, so scoring in the Derby was very special. This is a goal I will cherish for the rest of my life,” he tells snl24.com/kickoff.
Mbuyane says team spirit is the reason they managed to bounce back against Chiefs, and why they have managed to go unbeaten for such a long time.
“We have matured as a team and understand each other very well. I think what let us down before was that we were not supporting one another, but now we fight for each other.”
Meanwhile, Pirates next host Maritzburg United in Soweto, but both Mbuyane and Happy Jele will miss the game through suspension. However, good news is that Tlou Segolela and Clifford Ngobeni are back after serving suspensions.