Ouaddou hails young Dansin after wonder strike earns Pirates draw with Sundowns

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was left beaming with pride after young midfielder Cemran Dansin netted a stunning goal that salvaged a 1-1 Betway Premiership draw against hosts Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday.

The packed crowd of 42,000 at Loftus Stadium was in disbelief after 20-year-old Dansin’s left-footed, rocket-like strike from outside the penalty area. Dansin’s unforgettable impact came 15 minutes after Sundowns took an early lead, thanks to star striker Peter Shalulile.

The shot barrelled into the top corner of the nets, before Sundowns’ world-class goalie Ronwen Williams could react effectively. As Pirates celebrated the goal, Williams stood motionless in front of his goal, in awe of Dansin’s strike.

On Saturday, the young talent, Dansin, made his debut in Pirates’ starting XI, to everyone’s surprise. He came into the side at the expense of experienced players like Patrick Maswanganyi and Sipho Mbule, who found themselves on the substitutes’ bench.

At the post-match press conference, Ouaddou faced scrutiny for this decision, given the match’s stakes. Still, ultimately his gamble paid off as Dansin’s spectacular equaliser secured a priceless log point.

“It’s difficult for a coach because if we had lost the game, everyone would say, ‘But the coach, he put a player without experience’,” Ouaddou explained.

“As a coach who has worked in development for five to six years, I believe in giving chances to talented South African youth.”

Many questioned Ouaddou’s decision to start Dansin, given the match’s high stakes.

“This was an important game, and I think this experience will allow him to grow,” said Ouaddou, highlighting his commitment to nurturing young talent in the league.

Despite the risk, Ouaddou expressed his intent to continue providing opportunities for emerging players.

“We need to give them chances,” he insisted, an ethos that not only aims to build the club’s future but also enriches the broader spectrum of South African football.

The crowd’s delight after Dansin’s goal demonstrated that this young talent is not just a passing phase but could be a beacon for the future of the Pirates. Ouaddou’s commitment to integrating youth into the squad suggests a promising pathway ahead, not just for Dansin but for the club.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Dansin to see if he can build upon this memorable moment and continue to make a case for himself in the first team. With Ouaddou at the helm, dedicated to fostering local talents, the future of Pirates looks bright indeed.