Orlando Pirates young midfielder Cemran Dansin expressed his delight after scoring a crucial goal in his team’s 1-1 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.

The 20-year-old’s stunning left-footed effort from outside the box left Sundowns’ goalkeeper Ronwen Williams with no chance, and it proved to be a turning point in the match.

“I’m happy for the coaches, my teammates, and the staff for giving me this opportunity, ” Dansin said after the match.

“Scoring in such a big game really means a lot to me, and I hope to keep on going and taking more chances like on Saturday.

“The coach before the game spoke with me and said I must not look at my age, I must be competitive.”

Dansin’s opportunity to start against Sundowns came as a surprise to many, but he proved that coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s faith in him was not misplaced.

The young midfielder had also started midweek against Magesi in the Carling Knockout.

“Playing for this club is also wonderful for me,” Dansin added.

“Whenever I get an opportunity, I just try to do my best and then also not worry about being young because I just look to fight on and do everything.”

Dansin joined the DStv Diski Challenge team of the Buccaneers in the 2023/24 season, signing from the SAFA-Transnet School of Excellence.

His promotion to the first team during the latter part of the 2024/25 season seems to have been a wise decision, as he has now become a player that Ouaddou believes in.

With his impressive performance against Sundowns, Dansin will be looking to continue his good form when his team travels to Durban to face Golden Arrows in the Betway Premiership at King Zwelithini Stadium on Wednesday.