Pirates youngsters warned against drinking and smoking – ‘Be careful about your life’

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has lauded the club’s rising stars, Mpho Padime and Simphiwe Masilela, tipping them for bright futures after their impressive integration into the senior squad.

The Moroccan coach believes the pair have shown significant promise, but was quick to ensure both players received equal recognition for their efforts.

“Not only him [Padime], I think we can include Masilela in the talk. Well done to both of them,” Ouaddou stated.

Ouaddou highlighted that the Soweto giants have a long-standing tradition of promoting youth, a philosophy the club remains committed to.

Ouaddou lauds Padime and Masilela

“I think Pirates is a club that gives chances to the young. It’s not the first year. We continue the process,” he added.

The coach noted that Padime and Masilela have already demonstrated their quality during training sessions with the first team, catching the eye of the technical staff.

"𝔻𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕜 𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕣, 𝕕𝕠𝕟'𝕥 𝕤𝕞𝕠𝕜𝕖, 𝕕𝕠𝕟'𝕥 𝕥𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕕𝕖𝕤𝕥𝕣𝕠𝕪 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕓𝕠𝕕𝕪!" 🚫🍻

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has sent a clear warning to rising stars Mpho Padime and Simphiwe Masilela on managing off-pitch distractions!… pic.twitter.com/hH9mR5Frrh

— Mthokozisi Dube (@dube_mthoko) August 31, 2026

“They did really well. We saw, everybody saw, they have great potential,” Ouaddou remarked.

He revealed that he first identified their talent when they began training with the senior team on June 24, having previously scouted them during DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) matches last season.

Pirates coach spotted talents early

“I saw potential when they came to start training on 24 June. Also, last season, I wanted to see them because I went to see some DDC games,” he explained.

“I have been with them for six months so I was not surprised with the potential but now they must keep working, being humble, listening to be coachable,” he advised.

Youth development continues to be a cornerstone of the club’s strategy, providing a clear pathway for promising talent to break into the first team. For Padime and Masilela, the public backing from their coach serves as a major confidence boost as they aim to secure regular playing time.

However, even as he looks to integrate the youngsters into his team, the Pirates coach has a firm message for them in regards to their career.

Bucs youngsters warned over poor lifestyle

“It is only the first games and a [football] career is minimum 10 years so when I have the opportunity to give them game time I will, but they still must work and be very professional because in football, you can go high quickly but you can fall quickly as well,” Ouaddou warned.

“So, well done for today, keep working, be careful about your life. You have to be professional. Think football, live football [and] you train, you go home, rest, eat good, drink water, not something else.

“Don’t smoke and don’t take things that can destroy your body.”

With Ouaddou clearly impressed by their progress, the two youngsters will be eager to translate their potential into consistent performances and establish themselves as key players for the Buccaneers.