Ouaddou backs Orlando Pirates youngsters Padime and Masilela to reach their potential

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says he is not surprised by the progress of Mpho Padime and Simphiwe Masilela, after the two youngsters impressed during the club’s 3-0 victory over Sekhukhune United in the MTN8 semi-final second leg.

Padime and Masilela were introduced from the bench as Pirates secured a 4-0 aggregate win at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday. Padime replaced Ghampani Lungu in the 83rd minute, while Masilela came on for Simphiwe Selepe in the 74th minute.

The result sent Orlando Pirates into their fifth successive Wafa Wafa final. Bucs have won the competition four times in a row.

Thapelo Mokobodi, Lungu and Kamogelo Sebelebele scored for the home side in the second leg, with Yanela Mbuthuma setting up Mokobodi and Lungu.

Ouaddou praised both players rather than singling out Padime, who was making his debut for Pirates.

“Not only him [Padime]. I think we can include Masilela in that talk [of youngsters holding their own]. Well done to both of them. Pirates is a club that gives youngsters a chance. It’s not the first year [that Bucs give youngsters a chance], and we continue the process,” Ouaddou said.

The coach said he had identified the pair’s ability before they had been given prominent first-team opportunities. He recalled seeing their potential when they returned for pre-season training on 24 June, while he had also watched some DDC matches last season.

Ouaddou said he had asked Roscoe Krieling, the DDC coach, and club scout Mxolisi Mngomezulu to give him more opportunities to assess the two players in training.

“Everyone can see they [Padime and Masilela] have great potential. I saw the potential when they came to start training on June 24 [after the off-season], but even last season when I watched some DDC games, I asked Roscoe [Krieling, DDC coach] and Mxolisi [Mngomezulu, who’s a scout at the club] that I wanted to see them more in training.”

Padime is 19 and made his Pirates debut against Sekhukhune United. Masilela, 22, has already appeared in a number of matches for Bucs this season.

Although encouraged by their early progress, Ouaddou warned both players that they must continue to work hard and remain focused if they are to establish themselves in professional football.

“So, I am not surprised by the potential, but now they must keep working, stay humble, and be coachable. It’s only the start; a football career is a minimum of 10 years,” Ouaddou said.

The coach added that opportunities would be available, but said the players’ attitude and professionalism would determine how far they progress.

“I will give them game time when I have to, but they still have to work and be professional because in football you can be high now but you can fall very quickly.”

Padime and Masilela are expected to feature again when Orlando Pirates face Kruger United in the league at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:30.