Segolela tells Pirates youngsters to raise their game after Nkota return

Orlando Pirates legend Tlou Segolela says the return of Mohau Nkota should motivate the club’s emerging players rather than delay their progress.

Nkota has rejoined Pirates on loan from Al-Ettifaq, increasing the competition for places in a wide attacking group that already includes Bafana internationals Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi.

The battle for first-team opportunities is also becoming more demanding for younger players such as Mpho Padime, Kabelo Kgositsile and Bohlale Ngwato. New signing Gamphani Lungu has added further competition after making a strong start following his arrival from Siwelele.

Nkota is expected to challenge particularly for a place on the right wing, prompting questions about whether his return could restrict the youngsters’ chances of earning regular playing time.

Segolela, however, believes the increased competition should push the emerging players to meet the standards demanded by head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.

“It’s not about who is coming, you must look at Ouaddou, you give him what he wants, you get the opportunity, that’s an unfortunate part of him and that’s the good part of him,” Segolela responded.

The former Pirates winger said the younger members of the squad must demonstrate that they are ready to compete, regardless of the established players ahead of them.

“So, the other boys need to raise their hand and show that ‘we belong at this level, we’re capable of competing and this is what we can do despite who is in front’ and who they are competing with.”

Segolela added that the pressure created by the competition could help the youngsters reach a higher level than they had initially expected.

“So, it’s going to be very interesting because now it’s an opportunity to elevate the young boys, to stress them, so that they surpass what they were dreaming of, to raise to a high level of performance and dishing out performances every weekend.”

The Moletjie-born former midfielder also warned Padime against concentrating solely on entertaining supporters with individual skill.

Segolela said modern football places increasing importance on measurable contributions, including goals, assists and defensive work.

“I won’t put it as an advice but for sure he is aware that today’s game is all about numbers, that’s the unfortunate and sad truth about it. They (Pirates) need to see the contribution towards the team,” he said.

“You need to score, you need to make assists, you need to help the team in defence; that’s what today’s game wants. Yes, you will have those moments to entertain them but what will take you to a higher level is the number of goals, the number of creation.”

His comments come as Pirates continue to manage a squad containing both experienced internationals and players seeking to establish themselves in the first team.

Segolela’s message was that young players cannot rely on flair alone if they want to progress at the club and move on to bigger opportunities.

“Gone are those days when you will just make a skill for the sake of it, staying there and closing doors for (upcoming) youngsters. You need to get numbers and get away, give other youngsters who are coming an opportunity. You come in, you play your role, you go to the next level. That is what Pirates is all about,” Segolela added.