Ouaddou says Orlando Pirates’ Simphiwe Masilela is among the best young players he has worked with

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou believes 22-year-old playmaker Simphiwe Masilela has the potential to become one of the leading players in the team.

Masilela has taken on a more prominent role in the senior squad following the departures of Relebohile Mofokeng and Patrick Maswanganyi. He scored his first professional goal in Orlando Pirates’ 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy.

The DStv Diski Challenge graduate has already contributed an assist against Durban City and has appeared in 11 matches since being promoted to the senior side. However, Tuesday’s game against TS Galaxy was only the second time he had completed 90 minutes.

His performances as a substitute have led to calls for Masilela to be given more starts this season. At the same time, there have been questions over whether he is ready to handle the expectations that come with a bigger role.

Ouaddou believes the midfielder is already showing qualities that could make him an important figure for Orlando Pirates during the campaign.

“What I can tell you, he has all the attributes, all the potential, all the quality to express himself at the highest level,” said Ouaddou.

The Orlando Pirates coach also drew on his experience of working with young players in France, saying Masilela had already made a strong impression on him.

“I can tell you, I have worked for six, seven years in development in France, in Michel Platini Academy. So, I have seen many young players, and he was one of the best I have seen,” he added.

Ouaddou suggested that his wider experience of player development had helped him recognise Masilela’s ability and understand how best to guide him.

“Sometimes when I try with a little but more experience than him, I’m older than him, I have seen a lot of players, when I try to put players in the right path for high level of football.”