‘One Of The Best I’ve Seen’: Ouaddou Issues Stern Warning To Pirates Starlet After First Goal
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has backed youngster Simphiwe Masilela to reach the highest level, insisting that the midfielder possesses all the attributes needed to succeed in top-level football.
Masilela scored his first goal for the Buccaneers during their 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy at Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday.
The 22-year-old delivered an impressive performance, building on the promise he showed when introduced as a substitute in the MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday.
Ouaddou has been impressed by Masilela’s ability, describing him as one of the best young players he has worked with and expressing confidence in his potential.
“What I can tell you is that he has all the attributes, potential and qualities to express himself at the highest level,” Ouaddou said.
“I worked for six or seven years in youth development in France at the Michel Platini Academy, so I have seen a lot of young players, and he was one of the best I have seen.
“Sometimes, with a little more experience than him, I try to guide these young players on the right path, helping them understand the demands of high-level football and leave aside certain things that will not help them.
“Some people may challenge the coach, but with humility and without any arrogance, I believe we know what we are talking about and where we want to take our players. If you look at his performances, from when he started at Marumo to when he began understanding what the coach expects from him, you can see the progress.
“He started producing these kinds of actions against Marumo, continued in Rustenburg, and then we saw him again in the final. Now, we are still seeing what he is capable of doing.”
Ouaddou added that Masilela’s style of play reflects what he expects from a modern number 10, highlighting the youngster’s potential to make an impact in an advanced midfield role.
“This is exactly what I expect from a modern number 10,” Ouaddou said.
“It is up to him to continue on this path. He knows what is required of him, and if he wants to lose his way, he also knows the other path.”
