Orlando Pirates boss Ouaddou urges patience with rising star Dansin

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has warned against placing excessive pressure on Camren Dansin after the 21-year-old was named Man of the Match in the club’s 2-0 Betway Premiership victory over Milford.

Dansin impressed in midfield as the Buccaneers opened their defence of the league title with a maximum-points start at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

The youngster delivered a composed and energetic performance in the centre of the pitch, reinforcing his reputation as one of Orlando Pirates’ most promising young players. His progress has continued since he stepped up from the DStv Diski Challenge side last season.

Dansin made 16 first-team appearances after that promotion and has remained part of Ouaddou’s plans. He was also recognised at the end of the previous campaign when his spectacular goal against Mamelodi Sundowns won the Betway Premiership Goal of the Season award.

The midfielder’s latest display has increased excitement among Orlando Pirates supporters, but Ouaddou believes Dansin’s development must be managed carefully.

“We have to be very careful. I have been in the business for a while, but the boy is doing well,” Ouaddou said.

The coach said the club had deliberately taken its time before giving Dansin a more prominent role, despite identifying his potential early.

“We took time to bring this young talent in. You remember last season, I didn’t hesitate to put him in a very big game against Sundowns, and he scored a fantastic goal. He was with us in most games, we detected the talent, but you don’t have to burn this talent. It’s step by step. People didn’t understand why it took so much time to bring him, but we knew what we were doing,” he added.

Ouaddou said Dansin still needed significant work before he could reach the highest level, even though his season has begun impressively.

“The boy still needs a lot of work to get to the highest level but at the moment he is doing very well.

“Dansin must remain humble and not listen to what people say outside the environment because he can quickly lose himself, and we’re here to help him.

“He must just put in the work, focus on his career, be serious and humble, and I think things will go well.”

Ouaddou also called on the wider Orlando Pirates structure, including the media, to help protect the player as attention around him grows.

“All the coaches, the club and you as media must protect this talent,” he said.

Dansin’s performance suggests he could play an increasingly important part for Orlando Pirates as they pursue both domestic and continental ambitions this season. However, Ouaddou’s priority is to ensure that progress is made gradually, rather than allowing rising expectations to force the midfielder into a role before he is ready.

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