Pirates boss Ouaddou praises Masilela after TS Galaxy win

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has praised midfielder Simphiwe Masilela for becoming more effective in attack after Tuesday’s 3-0 victory over TS Galaxy.

Masilela was on the scoresheet as the Buccaneers responded to their MTN8 final defeat by Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday and returned to winning ways.

Ouaddou said he had spoken to the midfielder about his performance and was pleased with how he applied the advice.

“I spoke to the boy. He had started to become more efficient and to show more verticality by going forward against Marumo,” Ouaddou told SuperSport after the match.

“I tried to explain to him that this is what we want from you. This is what modern football demands from a talented player like you.

“If you want to go forward and be efficient, use your verticality. The coach has never stopped him from showing his skills, scoring three goals or four goals and going forward. That is my duty as a coach and as somebody who wants to develop young players.”

The Pirates manager said Masilela needed to understand what was required to perform at the highest level, while retaining the freedom to express his individual ability.

“I wanted to remind him what the high level is about, but if he wants the circus, that is up to him,” said Ouaddou.

“We saw today, and even against Sundowns, that we have a quality player. He can play between the lines, dribble and eliminate two or three players, but always with the aim of going forward. That is what modern football is asking for.”

Ouaddou congratulated Masilela and paid tribute to his family, while urging the midfielder to maintain his work-rate.

“Congratulations to him. I am very happy for him and for his family as well. They should be happy for him tonight, and I hope he continues to work.”