Orlando Pirates newcomer Mmolai told to stay ready for his chance

Mpho Makola has urged Orlando Pirates’ new signing Matome Mmolai to remain mentally and physically prepared as he waits for the opportunity to make his official debut for the club.

The 23-year-old midfielder joined Pirates from Motsepe Foundation Championship side Leicesterford City during pre-season and travelled with the squad to Spain. He is yet to feature in a competitive match for the club, but former Pirates midfielder Makola believes Mmolai must be ready to take his chance whenever it arrives.

Makola and Mmolai both come from Alexandra, and Makola said he had been aware of the youngster’s ability before his move to the Soweto club. He recalled watching Mmolai play for Dondol several seasons ago, when Makola’s team, Viasport, faced them in a friendly.

“I saw Matome a couple of seasons ago when he was playing for Dondol, when we started our team, Viasport. We played a friendly against Dondol and I was impressed with him. He was playing as a number eight and a six at times, so I know him pretty well. He is a boy from Alex,” Makola said to Soccer Laduma.

Mmolai is understood to be eager to play regularly, but Makola believes patience will be important while he waits for his opportunity at Pirates. The former midfielder used his own experience at the club as an example, recalling that he did not make an immediate impact after joining.

“He is only 23. I know he wants to play regularly, but he need to be patient and ready at the same time because with Pirates you never know. If he wants to draw solace, he can look at my record at Pirates. It took me a while before I started playing. My first season was not the best and I even wanted to leave, but I was ready mentally and physically. When I got the chance, I grabbed it with both hands. So, he must just stay ready mentally and physically Anything is possible at Pirates.”

Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou praised Mmolai before the start of the season after watching him during pre-season. The midfielder’s next step will be to force his way into the matchday squad, although there is no indication of when his debut will come.

Mmolai can also take encouragement from the opportunities given to fellow new arrivals Thapelo Mokobodi and Mthetheleli Mthiyane, who have already been involved in first-team action.

Makola’s warning comes with Pirates preparing for a demanding campaign that will also include CAF Champions League football. With additional matches on the schedule, Mmolai may have more chances to be selected, but the former Pirates player believes the midfielder’s responsibility is to ensure he is ready when called upon.

For now, the youngster remains in the early stages of his Pirates career after making the move from Leicesterford City. The Spain trip represented part of his introduction to the club, while the next challenge is to turn the manager’s positive assessment into a place in the competitive squad.