Camren Dansin has been tipped to force his way into the Orlando Pirates starting XI this season, with club legend Lebohang Mokoena insisting the young midfielder is “ready to start” after an eye-catching pre-season in Spain.
The 21-year-old caught the attention of coaches and observers during the Buccaneers’ recent tour, producing a string of composed displays that earned praise for both his technical quality and his calmness under pressure.
In a notable show of faith, Dansin was handed the captain’s armband in a match against Spanish side Las Palmas and responded with a confident performance that underlined his leadership potential at a relatively early stage of his career.
Speaking on Soccerbeat, former Pirates winger Mokoena said he believes the midfielder has waited long enough for a real opportunity to become a regular in the first team.
“The boy has always been ready. I was impressed with him. It’s been long overdue because he has been working really hard behind the scenes. He’s one player who has shown great patience,” Mokoena said.
“He is ready to start for Orlando Pirates, even though there is stiff competition.”
Praise for maturity and improvement
Mokoena, who came through the Pirates system himself and understands the pressures on young players at the club, said he had been struck by the progress Dansin has made in a relatively short period.
“I was amazed by his work rate and decision-making. I saw a player who has improved enormously,” he added.
For Mokoena, the challenge now is for Dansin to turn an impressive pre-season into sustained impact when competitive fixtures begin.
“It’s about time he grabs his opportunity, and I’m sure the coach will give him one. It’s just a matter of him remaining focused and continuing to work on himself,” he said.
Versatility viewed as a key asset
Mokoena also highlighted Dansin’s tactical flexibility as a potential advantage in convincing head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou to trust him more regularly in the coming campaign.
He believes the youngster is comfortable in several midfield roles and can contribute both defensively and going forward.
“I think he can play as a box-to-box midfielder, maybe even as a No. 6. He does very well there and has the energy to join the attack,” Mokoena explained.
“He’s very good in the build-up, but I think he lacks a little bit of creativity in the final third. That’s something that will improve with experience.”
Consistency the next hurdle
While the former winger is adamant that Dansin has “always been ready”, he also warned that the midfielder will need to maintain his current standards if he is to secure a permanent place in the matchday squad.
With intense competition for places at Orlando Pirates, especially in central areas, sustained consistency over the course of the season is likely to be crucial to Dansin’s prospects of becoming a regular starter.
Dansin’s performances on tour, his leadership stint against Las Palmas and the endorsement from a respected club figure such as Mokoena have combined to increase expectations around his role in the upcoming campaign.
Whether he can now convert that promise into a long-term position in Ouaddou’s side will depend on how he handles the step up from pre-season promise to the demands of competitive football.
