Ouaddou urges patience as Orlando Pirates prospect Camren Dansin makes big impact

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has called for patience and protection around Camren Dansin after the young midfielder was named Man of the Match in the club’s opening game of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season.

Dansin, 21, started alongside Thalente Mbatha as Orlando Pirates beat newcomers Milford 2-0. Over the full 90 minutes, he completed 36 of his 40 passes, created two chances and made 10 defensive contributions, including winning 10 ground duels.

His performance has raised the possibility of a more prominent role for the emerging midfielder under Ouaddou. However, the Orlando Pirates manager believes the player’s development must be handled carefully, with expectations kept under control both inside the club and in the wider media.

“We have to be very careful, I have been in the business for a while but the boy is doing well – we took time to bring this young talent in, you remember last season, I didn’t hesitate to put him in a very big game against Sundowns, and he scored a fantastic goal,” Ouaddou said.

Dansin made 16 first-team appearances last season after stepping up from the DStv Diski Challenge squad. He also won the Betway Premiership Goal of the Season award for his outstanding strike against Mamelodi Sundowns.

Ouaddou said the club had identified Dansin’s ability early, but had deliberately avoided rushing his introduction to senior football.

“He was with us in most game, we have detected the talent, but you don’t have to burn this talent, it’s step by step, people didn’t understand why it took so much time to bring him, but we knew what we were doing.

“At this same time, I want to be very cautious about the media, about us, not to put this boy quickly high [on a pedestal] because a career is long, he’s doing well, and we’ll give him all our trust, all our help to bring him to the high level.

“The boy still needs a lot of work to get to the highest level but at the moment he is doing very well. Dansin will meet a lot of humility – not to listen to what people say outside the environment [at the club] because he can quickly lose himself and we’re here to help him.

“He must just put in the work, and focus on his career, be serious, humble and I think the things will go well. All the coaches, the club and you as media to protect this talent.”

Dansin’s latest display came after a measured progression into the Orlando Pirates first team. His decisive goal against Mamelodi Sundowns last season brought wider attention, while his performance against Milford suggested he could now be ready for increased responsibility.

Ouaddou’s message, though, was that the player’s development remains a long-term project. The coach wants Dansin to remain focused, hardworking and humble as he continues to adapt to the demands of senior football, with the club’s coaches and staff committed to helping him reach the highest level.