Neo Rapoo learning patience as Orlando Pirates competition intensifies

Orlando Pirates defender Neo Rapoo says the advice of Deon Hotto and Nkosikhona Ndaba, along with the faith shown in him by coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, is helping him adjust to life at the club.

The 21-year-old joined Pirates from Siwelele FC, where he was a regular and made 27 appearances in the Betway Premiership. At the Buccaneers, however, he has had to compete with Hotto and Ndaba for the left-back position, with both players generally selected ahead of him.

Rapoo has made seven appearances for Pirates in all competitions since his move, although only one of those outings has been as a starter. That came in the club’s CAF Champions League preliminary tie against La Cure Waves.

The reduced playing time has required a change in approach for Rapoo, who says the support he has received from more experienced team-mates has helped him remain focused.

“I have settled in well. MaGrootman (the older guys) are treating me very well, and they tell me to keep working hard each and every day. I am learning a lot from Hotto and Ndaba because they are doing very well,” Rapoo told the media at the national under-23 camp.

“As a player, I just have to be patient and be grateful for the opportunities I get. The time I play under coach Ouaddou, I am very grateful for the opportunity.”

Rapoo also believes Ouaddou’s confidence in him has given him additional motivation, even though he understands that regular opportunities may take time to arrive.

“Having someone who believes in you (Ouaddou) gives you that extra motivation. Even though it is to stay patient, but it’s a thing that I have to work on and just be patient because you learn from the guys that are playing at the moment. Like I said, Ndaba and Hotto. I just need to be patient, keep working hard, and I’ll get my chance.”

Rapoo targets Olympic qualification

Rapoo is now with the South Africa under-23 squad for a two-leg U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie against Madagascar.

The U23 AFCON will be staged in Egypt in 2027 and will also act as a qualifying competition for the Olympics. Both matches against Madagascar will be played at Lucas Moripe Stadium, with the first scheduled for this Saturday and the return fixture taking place next Tuesday.

South Africa do not know much about their opponents, but Rapoo says the squad will approach both games with the aim of winning.

“We don’t know much about Madagascar, but our mentality is to go into every game with a winning mentality. It’s every player’s dream to play at the Olympics, so we just have to go with the mentality of winning all the games.”