Junior Khanye backs Orlando Pirates midfielder Cemran Dansin for Bafana Bafana future

Former footballer Junior Khanye believes Orlando Pirates midfielder Cemran Dansin has the qualities to become a future Bafana Bafana international after making an impressive start to the Betway Premiership season.

Dansin was named man of the match as defending champions Orlando Pirates began their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Milford FC last weekend.

The young midfielder is expected to play an important role in the Buccaneers’ plans this season, with his ability to influence matches from the centre of the pitch likely to be a key part of his development.

Against Milford, Dansin produced a performance that highlighted several aspects of his game. His passing, defensive work rate and ability to shoot from distance all stood out, while his movement and composure helped him contribute at both ends of the pitch.

Khanye described the player as one of the latest products of South Africa’s development system and compared his style to that of former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Sergio Busquets.

“Dansin is the new Pirates sensation, a good box-to-box player. These are the results of development football,” Khanye tells KickOff.

The former Kaizer Chiefs winger also referred to a major individual achievement from Dansin’s first season in the Betway Premiership.

“In his first season in the Betway Premiership, he has won the Goal of the Season award. He is another gem.

“He is a Sergio Busquets type of player – no [bulky] body, no strength. He is just psychologically and technically very good. He is comfortable on the ball. He’s got vision and can play in tight spaces. He is a future for Bafana Bafana.”

Khanye credited the School of Excellence for helping to shape Dansin’s development, saying the midfielder possessed attributes that were not commonly found in players in his position.

“Credit to the School of Excellence. I’m a fan of that School due to the good work that is being done there. That boy has got qualities other midfielders don’t have.”

Dansin’s influence against Milford extended beyond his work with the ball, according to Khanye. His movement when Orlando Pirates were in possession and the quality of his decisions impressed the former player.

“What Dansin showed us against Milford proved he is quality. His movement off the ball was something else. And the decision making was ‘wow’,” adds the former Kaizer Chiefs winger.

“He links defence and attack.”

The praise comes as Dansin is being tipped to become a key figure in the Orlando Pirates midfield during the season. His ability to connect the team’s defensive and attacking phases has raised expectations about the role he could play for the Buccaneers.

Khanye expressed regret that the Under-23s are not playing regularly, as he believes Dansin would benefit from progressing through that pathway before eventually making the step up to the senior national team.

“It’s a pity the Under-23s are not playing regularly. I would have loved to see him graduating from there, all the way until to Bafana Bafana.”