Ouaddou urges patience after Dansin shines in Pirates opener

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has called for patience over exciting youngster Camren Dansin following his Man of the Match performance in the Buccaneers’ 2-0 Betway Premiership victory over Milford on Saturday.

The 21-year-old midfielder produced a composed display in the heart of the park as Pirates began the defence of their league title with maximum points at Orlando Stadium.

Dansin completed an all-round performance that underlined why he is regarded as one of the club’s brightest young prospects.

Having made 16 first-team appearances after graduating from the DStv Diski Challenge side last season, Dansin has continued his upward trajectory under Ouaddou after also claiming the Betway Premiership Goal of the Season award for his spectacular strike against Mamelodi Sundowns.

While the midfielder’s display has generated excitement among Pirates supporters, Ouaddou believes it is important not to place too much pressure on the youngster too soon.

“We have to be very careful. I have been in the business for a while, but the boy is doing well,” Ouaddou said.

“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. He was with us in most games, we 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,” he added.

Ouaddou believes Dansin still has plenty of development ahead of him despite his impressive start to the season.

“The boy still needs a lot of work to get to the highest level but at the moment he is doing very well.

“Dansin must remain humble and not listen to what people say outside the environment because he can quickly lose himself, and we’re here to help him.

“He must just put in the work, focus on his career, be serious and humble, and I think things will go well. The Pirates mentor also appealed to everyone around the club, including the media, to play their part in managing the youngster’s rise.

“All the coaches, the club and you as media must protect this talent,” he said.

With Pirates balancing domestic and continental ambitions this season, Dansin appears set for an increasingly influential role, but if Ouaddou has his way, the midfielder’s development will continue at a measured pace rather than being rushed by growing expectations.

IOL