Ouaddou praises Masilela after impressive Pirates debut

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou praised young midfielder Simphiwe Masilela after his influential display in Thursday’s 2-0 Betway Premiership win over Durban City.

The Buccaneers recorded a comfortable victory against the KwaZulu-Natal side at the Orlando Amstel Arena, with Masilela making a significant contribution after being named in the starting line-up.

Masilela was promoted to the senior squad from Orlando Pirates’ youth structures this season and took his opportunity against City, producing a composed performance and setting up Tshepang Moremi to score.

Ouaddou said Masilela’s display reflected the standard he wants from his young players when he was asked about Pirates having the youngest team in the league.

“If you see Masilela today [Thursday], well done,” said Ouaddou.

“I’m not asking for more, I’m not asking for more. This is the football that I like. This is the high level.

“And I push him to continue to be efficient like that and to play pure football, you know, and to leave these things on the side and to play football. But I’m happy. I have to say it.

“This is my job as a coach, is to improve players, young players, to play this kind of football.”

The Pirates manager felt there was little else he could have demanded from Masilela after the youngster delivered an almost flawless performance in the victory.

The result strengthened Pirates’ position as they continue their Betway Premiership campaign, while Moremi’s goal added to the importance of Masilela’s first senior opportunity of the season.