Neo Rapoo welcomes patience test as Orlando Pirates battle intensifies

Neo Rapoo says he is using limited playing time at Orlando Pirates as an opportunity to learn, rather than becoming frustrated by the competition for the left-back position.

The 21-year-old joined Pirates from Siwelele during the winter transfer window but currently finds himself behind Deon Hotto and Nkosikhona Ndaba in coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s selection order.

Rapoo has made seven appearances for Pirates since the start of the season, but insists he has been encouraged by the welcome he has received and the support of his more experienced team-mates.

“I have settled in well. AmaGrootman ada (the big brothers there) are treating me well,” Rapoo said.

“They are encouraging me to just continue working hard each and every day.”

Rather than allowing his limited opportunities to affect him, Rapoo believes working alongside Hotto and Ndaba is helping his development.

“I am learning a lot from Hotto and Ndaba because they are doing very well,” he added. “As a player, I need to be patient, keep working hard and be grateful for the opportunities I get under coach Ouaddou.”

Rapoo is currently away from his club with the South Africa Under-23 squad, who are aiming to move closer to qualification for the Afcon finals.

They play Madagascar in the penultimate round of qualifiers at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Saturday, before the return leg at the same venue on Tuesday.

Qualifying would take the team through to the continental finals in Egypt. That tournament will also act as the African qualification competition for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with only the top two teams earning places at the Games.

Rapoo hopes that, by the time the South Africa Under-23s reach the Afcon finals, he will have earned more minutes for Pirates. He is particularly looking forward to gaining experience in the CAF Champions League, where the club will face some of the strongest teams in Africa.

“At my current club, we are in CAF. You know how hard it is to play in the Champions League, but, yeah, that prepares me mentally and physically as well,” he said.

“So, going there, I will know that I shouldn’t be lazy or soft because I know that they are very strong there.”

The experience of competing at that level, Rapoo believes, is also helping shape the mindset of the Under-23 squad.

“Even with the guys here, I think they know that it is mandatory for us to go with the right mindset,” he said. “That will help us to finish in the top flight.”