Cemran Dansin: Ouaddou explains why he trusted Pirates youngster against Sundowns 

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Cemran Dansin: Ouaddou explains why he trusted Pirates youngster against Sundowns 

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has opened up over his decision to select youngster Cemran Dansin against Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday.

The 20-year-old scored a stunning 35th minute volley as Pirates came from behind to level matters with Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, introducing himself to football fans in South Africa.

It was just his second PSL start this season but the fact that he was trusted against the best team in the country led to lots of questions over what the Pirates coach saw in him.

What has Bucs coach seen in the youngster?

“Since I've come in the country – it's been eight or nine months, I discovered there's so much talent in South Africa, and when you notice and have the eye to see some young talent in the country, they deserved to be encouraged and pushed to build themselves,” said Ouaddou as quoted by SABC.

“I know sometimes, some coaches are scared to give chances to the young because they are scared of the opposition – if they lose, they can be sacked.

“But, as an ex-football player, I got the chance to play at the age of 18 years old, so I have seen fantastic potential in that player since the pre-season, we decided to bring him to Spain with us, and he's shown us fantastic qualities in those friendly games.”

The former Marumo Gallants coach also explained how his experience as a youth coach has come in handy in his current role, making it easy to spot bright young players and hand them opportunities.

Ouaddou using his experience as youth coach

“But at the same time, like I told you, I have worked for seven years in development [structures] in France, you have to be careful not to burn this kind of potential, so you have to bring them in step by step,” added the former Nancy and Rennes player.

“It's why you have seen that I give him sometimes 15, 20, 30, 60 minutes, just to make him comfortable. I thought it was the right moment for him today against one of the best teams on the continent, and to throw him into the [deep end].”

The former Morocco captain has, however, called for patience with the youngster, explaining why it is important to give time to flourish and not put a lot of expectations on his young shoulders after the wondergoal.

Pirates boss calls for patience with Dansin

Cemran Dansin of Orlando Pirates. Photo – Orlando Pirates

“It's like a bird, if you don't give him the opportunity to fly – you have to throw him from the tree to learn, and that's what we did. We need to put him and give him experience,” the former Fulham defender said of the School of Excellence graduate.

“And I think it was a fantastic opportunity for him to show against Mamelodi Sundowns what he's able to do. Of course, I agree he still needs to work.

“If he was perfect, we would say that he's a Messi, but he still needs to work and we will improve him to be one of the best players in South Africa.”

Dansin has played six games for Pirates so far this season, starting five, two in the league, and has one goal and an assist. 

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.

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