Ouaddou tells Pirates youngster Masilela to focus on progress, not showboating

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has urged Simphiwe Masilela to use his dribbling to move the team forward rather than turn football into a “circus”.

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder scored his first goal for Pirates as they defeated TS Galaxy 3-0 in the Betway Premiership at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night.

Boitumelo Radiopane and Tshepang Moremi had put the home side in control before Masilela completed the scoring, helping Pirates respond to their 2-0 defeat by Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final.

Ouaddou has regularly criticised the tendency of South African players, including members of his own squad, to entertain the crowd with unnecessary tricks when their side is already comfortably ahead.

Masilela’s goal provided another opportunity for the Pirates manager to explain what he expects from a talented young player.

“This is what modern football requires from a talented player like him use verticality and score those goals. The coach never stopped him from showboating, but (he must) go on, make three goals, put in four goals, and go forward,” Ouaddou said.

“That is my duty as a coach, as someone who likes to develop young players… to remind him of what the high level is, but if he wants to make it a circus, that is up to him.

“We saw today, and even against Sundowns (at the weekend in the MTN8 final), he is one of those quality players someone who can play between the lines, someone who can dribble and eliminate two or three players with the aim of going forward. That is what modern football requires from players like him.

“That is competition for him. I am very happy for him, very happy for his family, and I hope he is going to continue to work.”

Ouaddou said Masilela’s ability to receive the ball between the lines and beat several opponents made him an important player in the squad, but stressed that his progress would depend on applying those qualities with a clear attacking purpose.

Player of the Match Thapelo Mokobodi also welcomed Masilela’s breakthrough goal.

“I am happy for him; it is his first goal,” Mokobodi said.

Pirates will now turn their attention to the CAF Champions League, where they face Namibian side African Stars in the second qualifying round.

Ouaddou’s team will travel for the first leg on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm. The return match will be played at Orlando Stadium on Friday, October 23, starting at 7pm.