Ouaddou Demands Patience From Pirates Youth
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has urged highly rated youngster Mpho Padime and the club’s new signings to remain patient, continue learning and prove they are ready for first-team football as the Buccaneers prepare to begin their 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign against Milford FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.
Pirates head into the new season with several exciting young talents pushing for opportunities in the senior team, with Padime among those attracting attention after an outstanding campaign for the club’s reserve side.
The promising attacker played a key role in helping Pirates win the DStv Diski Challenge title last season, finishing as the team’s leading scorer with 10 goals.
The 19-year-old has also inherited the iconic No. 38 jersey, previously worn by Relebohile Mofokeng before his move to the Belgian Pro League, underlining the club’s belief in his potential.
However, Ouaddou has made it clear that no player will be handed opportunities simply because of their age, insisting that every member of the squad must earn their place.
“I am not here to give flowers just because we are developing players,” Ouaddou said during the Buccaneers’ media day on Tuesday.
“The high level requires you to be ready when we call you. I think there are some young players who have really strong potential.
“At the same time, we brought them with us into camp to expose them to a high level of intensity and test them. That’s very important.
“I think they did well, and we got some answers. If you speak about those players, you can speak about Mpho Padime and Simphiwe Masilela as well. We will give them some game time and, of course, if we need them, we are going to use them.
“But it’s a step-by-step process. In player development, you have to analyse the situation and introduce them at the right time. The right time is in a positive environment, when the team is winning. Not when the team is struggling, because that can make things very difficult for them. You could burn them quickly.
“I am happy with what I have seen, and as a technical team we have to help them grow.
“But they also have to learn every day when they train with us. They have to learn from the players who have gone to the World Cup, those who have played at the highest level, and they must take the time to ask questions.”
The Pirates coach also reserved special praise for new signing Neo Rapoo and defender Nkosikhona Ndaba, revealing that he believes both players have what it takes to become future Bafana Bafana internationals.
“I see Rapoo as the next international player, along with Ndaba. They are full of quality and have the capacity to repeat high-intensity efforts,” Ouaddou added.
“If you look at our game model, it’s very demanding, and they are capable of combining well in the final third. They can score goals and deliver fantastic crosses.
“As for Rapoo’s qualities, he is also effective from set pieces. I think he will bring a lot to our group. As you know, we have many games this season, and I’m sure he will be successful.”
