Abdeslam Ouaddou raves about Masilela after first Pirates goal

13.10.26 FT South African Betway Premiership

Orlando Pirates

3

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TS Galaxy

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Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has waxed lyrical about Simphiwe Masilela, who was the chief architect in their 3-0 win over TS Galaxy in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday night.

The 22-year-old playmaker was instrumental in Boitumelo Radiopane's opener, before rounding up the scoring with his first goal in the first-team, while Tshepang Moremi also got on the score sheet.

He has made 11 appearances across all competitions since earning promotion at the beginning of the season, chipping in with a solitary assist in addition to his maiden goal.

Having previously worked as a youth coach at AS Nancy, Ouaddou says Masilela is one of the best talents he has seen, tipping the player for a successful career at the highest level.

“What I can tell you is that he has all the attributes, he has all the potential, all the qualities to express himself at the highest level,” said the Pirates boss.

"I can tell you that I have worked for six, seven years in the development in France in Michel Platini academy, so I have seen a lot of young players and he is one of the best I have seen.

"It's [the reason] why sometimes with a little bit more experience than him, I'm older than him, I have seen a lot of players, when I try to put these young players in the right path, in the requirement of high level football and to leave certain things that are not going to help them on the side, some people fight the coach.

"But without any arrogance, with a lot of humility, I think we know what we are talking about and where we want to bring our players.

The 47-year-old tactician is pleased with how Masilela is developing in the no.10 role vacated by Relebohile Mofokeng and Patrick Maswanganyi, but reiterated his stance on showboating.

“And if you saw this player from the Marumo Gallants match he started to understand what the coach is expecting from him,” Ouaddou added.

"He actually started these kinds of actions against Marumo in Rusternburg and after we saw him against [Mamelodi Sundowns] in the [MTN8] final, and now we're still seeing what he can be able to do.

"This is exactly what I'm expecting from a modern no.10. It's up to him if he wants to continue in that path, he knows what are the requirements and after if he wants to lose himself he knows the other path.

Pirates, meanwhile, remain one point behind log leaders Sundowns with a game in hand, and return to action with the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie against African Stars on Saturday.

Hlayisani Magoro

Editorfr, en

Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

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