Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has described 22-year-old attacking midfielder Simphiwe Masilela as one of the finest young players he has encountered after the youngster scored his first goal for the club.
Masilela played a key role in Pirates’ 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday night, finding the net in only his sixth appearance since stepping up from the DStv Diski Challenge reserve team.
The Ermelo-born player’s goal completed an impressive individual display. He made nine progressive carries, completed his only attempted dribble, and recorded five progressive passes. He also had two shots – one from inside the penalty area and one from outside – as well as three key passes.
Masilela completed all six of his attempted layoffs, made 10 accurate passes in the final third, recovered possession five times and won two of his three tackles.
Ouaddou, who has previously worked in youth development in France, said Masilela possesses the ability to reach the highest level.
“What I can tell you is that he has all the attributes, he has all the potential,” Ouaddou told journalists.
“All the qualities to express himself at a high level. I can tell you that I have worked for six, seven years in development [youth football] in France, at the Michel Platini Academy, so I have seen lots and lots of young players.
“And he is one of the best that I have seen. That is why I try sometimes… with a bit more experience than him, I am older than him. I have seen lots and lots of players and I try to put these young players on the right path.”
The Pirates manager said young players must understand the demands of senior football and avoid habits that could hinder their progress.
“In the requirement of the high-level football. To leave out certain things that are not going to help them. Some people are fighting the coach. But without any arrogance and with lots of humility,” he added.
“I think we know what we are talking about and where we want to bring our players. And if you see this player from the Marumo Gallants match, what the coach expects from him. He started these kinds of actions against Marumo in Rustenburg. After that we saw him the final [MTN8].”
Ouaddou believes Masilela is developing into the type of attacking midfielder required in the modern game.
“This is exactly what I am expecting from a 10. A modern 10. And it’s up to him. If he wants to continue on that path. He knows what the requirements are. If he wants to lose himself, he knows the other path,” he said.
Masilela’s next opportunity comes on Saturday, when Orlando Pirates face Namibian champions African Stars in a CAF Champions League second-round preliminary qualifier in Botswana. Kick-off is at 15:00.
