Neo Rapoo ready to wait for Orlando Pirates opportunities

Neo Rapoo says he is prepared to remain patient for first-team opportunities at Orlando Pirates while continuing to learn from Deon Hotto and Nkosikhona Ndaba.

The 21-year-old left-back joined the Buccaneers from Siwelele during the off-season and has made seven appearances since completing the move.

Although Rapoo admits it is difficult to wait for regular opportunities, he says the faith shown in him by Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is helping him remain motivated as he develops.

“Having someone that believes in you a lot also gives you that extra motivation, even though it is hard to stay patient,” Rapoo said.

“But it’s a thing I have to work on and just learn from the guys who are playing at the moment. I need to be patient, keep working hard and I will get my chances.”

Rapoo has also appreciated the welcome he has received at the club, saying the advice from his team-mates has helped him settle.

“I’ve settled in well with the guys there. They are treating me well and they tell me to keep working hard every day,” he said.

“Now coming here with the U-23s, I can say I’ve learnt a lot from Hotto and Ndaba.

“They are doing very well, so as a player I just have to be patient, keep working hard and be grateful for the opportunities I get, the time that I play under coach Ouaddou; just be grateful for the opportunity.”

Rapoo is currently with the SA U-23 side as they prepare to face Madagascar in their two-legged 2028 Olympic qualifier.

The first match will take place at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday at 3pm, with the return fixture scheduled for Tuesday at 8pm.

Rapoo says the team must approach both matches with the intention of winning as they pursue qualification for the Olympics.

“Obviously, we don’t know much about Madagascar, but we have to go into every game with the winning mentality. It is every player’s dream to play in the Olympics,” he said.

“So, we just have to go with the mentality of winning all the games and hopefully we can play at the Olympics.”

The defender also reflected on the SA U-23 team’s friendly matches against Algeria in October, saying those fixtures offered useful preparation for the physical demands of African football.

“It was good. Algeria were physical and that’s what we expected from [other] African teams actually that prepares us to go into further stages,” Rapoo said.

“Even when we were playing Afcon U-20, we saw how physical they were. We just need to play our style and move the ball quicker, but I think we will do well.”