Ouaddou Warns Pirates Youngsters Padime and Masilela After MTN8 Heroics
Mpho Padime announced himself on the Orlando Pirates stage with a moment of individual brilliance. But as excitement grows around the teenage talent, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has delivered a firm reminder that one impressive performance is only the beginning.
Padime made his Pirates debut on Saturday as the Buccaneers dismantled Sekhukhune United 3-0 to secure their place in the MTN8 final.
The youngster immediately caught the attention of the Orlando Stadium crowd with his confidence and silky touches. His ability to control and move the ball under pressure helped ignite the move that eventually produced Pirates’ third goal.
For a young player making his first appearance for one of South Africa’s biggest clubs, it was a memorable introduction.
But Ouaddou is determined to ensure that early praise does not become a distraction.
The Pirates coach also singled out fellow youngster Simphiwe Masilela, who has already made four appearances this season, including two starts.
Ouaddou believes both players have significant potential, but insists their development will depend on what they do away from the spotlight.
“Not only him (Padime), I think we can include Masilela in the talk. Well done to both of them. I think Pirates is a club that is giving chances to the young,” Ouaddou said.
“It’s not the first time that Pirates promote youngsters, and we continue the process. They did very well; we saw they have great potential.”
Ouaddou’s warning to Pirates’ youngsters
The French-Moroccan coach knows that football can change rapidly, particularly for young players who suddenly find themselves in the first-team spotlight.
His message to Padime and Masilela was therefore simple: stay grounded.
“Now, they must keep on working; they must keep on being humble, listening, and being coachable. It’s only the first games. A career is a minimum of 10 years.”
Ouaddou also made it clear that opportunities at Pirates will have to be earned.
The coach said he would give the youngsters more game time when the opportunity arises, but only if they continue to demonstrate the right attitude and commitment in training.
“When I have an opportunity to give them game time, I will definitely give it to them. But they must still work and be very professional because in football you can go high quickly, but you can fall quickly as well.”
‘Think about your career’
For Ouaddou, protecting a young player’s career extends beyond what happens on the training pitch.
He urged the youngsters to make professional choices in their everyday lives and avoid anything that could undermine their progress.
“They must be careful about their life. You have to be professional. Think football, you train, you go home, you rest,” he said.
“You eat well, you drink water and not something else. Don’t smoke, don’t take things that can destroy your body. Think about your career.”
The coach’s message ended with an emphasis on the one quality he believes can separate promising youngsters from established professionals.
“Work, work, work.”
For Padime and Masilela, the challenge now is greater than simply impressing in their next appearance. They must show that they can handle the expectations that come with wearing the Pirates shirt while continuing to develop into senior professionals.
Their opportunity has arrived. Ouaddou wants to make sure they do not waste it.
