Dansin proud to lead youthful Orlando Pirates in friendly win over Las Palmas

Cemran Dansin says captaining a youthful Orlando Pirates side in their pre-season win over Las Palmas in Spain was “an honour” and a reflection of the club’s faith in its emerging players.

The young midfielder wore the armband as Pirates edged the Spanish outfit in a friendly, with substitute Boitumelo Radiopane scoring a late winner after coming off the bench to secure victory for the Buccaneers.

The match was Pirates’ fourth outing of their pre-season camp in Spain and left them with a record of two wins, one draw and one defeat from their warm-up fixtures so far.

‘We deserved the win’

Dansin felt Pirates were superior over the 90 minutes and should have put the game beyond Las Palmas much earlier, particularly given the number of chances created before the breakthrough.

“It was nice, we started a bit slow, got into the game including the new players who still need to gel,” said Dansin, speaking to journalist Mike Morton.

“So, we got comfortable as the game went on. Towards the end of first half, we started understanding [each other], creating chances and getting into the game.

“I think we could have killed the game in the first half, looking at the chances we created. I feel like we had more chances than opponents, so we deserved a win.”

The performance continued a mixed but encouraging pre-season for Pirates, who are using their Spanish camp to build fitness, integrate new signings and give younger squad members an extended opportunity to impress.

Learning from senior leaders

For Dansin, being asked to captain the side was a significant personal milestone and a sign, he believes, of the trust Orlando Pirates place in their developing players.

Reflecting on the responsibility of leading the team, he said the role was one he was determined to embrace by drawing on the guidance and examples set by the club’s senior figures.

“Obviously, Pirates believe in giving young players opportunities, when you’re given one, you should always do your best,” he added.

“There are many leaders in the team, and we learn from them, try and grow and better every time.”

The friendly against Las Palmas also allowed Pirates’ coaching staff to assess how the younger members of the squad cope with increased responsibility in a competitive environment, with Dansin’s captaincy and Radiopane’s decisive impact off the bench underlining the depth of emerging talent within the group.

With more pre-season fixtures to come in Spain, Pirates will look to build on their current run of two victories from four matches as they continue preparations for the upcoming Betway Premiership campaign, aiming to translate these promising signs into consistency once the competitive season begins.