Orlando Pirates legend Makhanya urges Masilela to stay grounded after breakthrough

Orlando Pirates legend Joseph Makhanya has advised rising midfielder Simphiwe Masilela to remain humble and keep working hard after the 22-year-old made his senior breakthrough.

Masilela scored his first goal for Pirates in Tuesday’s 3-0 Betway Premiership victory over TS Galaxy, following an impressive cameo in the MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Mpumalanga-born midfielder’s emergence has excited the club’s supporters, while Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has described him as one of the best young players he has worked with.

Makhanya coached Masilela in Orlando Pirates’ DStv Diski Challenge side before the midfielder was promoted to the first team. He believes the youngster’s first senior goal should be the beginning of a more consistent contribution in front of goal.

“We’re happy that he has broken the duck because he is now a player who needs to be more on the scoresheet, because playing as a ten means you need to score more,” Makhanya said.

“I’m happy because it can’t just be only about assists, you need to be a match winner as well. He’s a player oozing a lot of confidence, you can see he is a player eager to do a lot of things.”

Makhanya added that Masilela’s development would be helped by the quality and experience around him within the Pirates squad.

“He now comes into a talented Pirates team that has a lot of hungry players, that will assist in guiding him, there are players he can learn from and players who can protect him, to make sure that he delivers every week,” he told KickOff.

Increased attention expected

Makhanya, who is also known by his nickname ‘Dukuduku’, warned that Masilela would face greater pressure as opponents became more familiar with his abilities.

“As the game goes, it means there will be more pressure on him, opposition will start recognizing his talent, it means he needs to continue working (hard) but I was happy he broke his duck,” he said.

The former Pirates midfielder’s main message to Masilela was to maintain his humility while setting himself higher targets.

“My advice to him is that he needs to keep his feet firmly on the ground and continue working hard. Fortunately, he is a humble boy, coming from a humble home as well, you can see that he is down to earth.”

Makhanya also called on the young midfielder to continue improving his understanding of the game and challenge himself to produce more goals and assists.

“We’re hoping he continues (with his form) but he needs to continue learning the game even better, surpassing the standard that is there to be surpassed. He needs to start challenging himself in terms of the output, especially scoring goals and getting assists,” the Pirates legend concluded.