Ouaddou backs Orlando Pirates youngsters to follow Mofokeng as next Buccaneers stars
The future of Orlando Pirates may already be taking shape, and head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou believes the club’s next wave of academy talent is ready to carry one of South African football’s proudest traditions into a new era.
After watching three of the Buccaneers’ brightest young prospects hold their own during the club’s pre-season tour in Spain, Ouaddou made it clear that the conveyor belt of talent that produced Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota and Mbekezeli Mbokazi is far from slowing down.
For Pirates supporters, it is another glimpse into a youth development system that has become one of the most productive in South African football, consistently producing players capable of making the leap to Europe.
As preparations for the 2026/27 campaign gathered pace, Ouaddou handed defender Christian Derbyshire, midfielder Siphiwe Masilela and winger Mpho “Phopho” Padime an opportunity to train and compete with the senior squad during their camp in Spain.
The trio, who played a key role in helping Pirates lift the DStv Diski Challenge title, featured in the club’s 1-1 pre-season draw against Spanish Segunda Division outfit Córdoba CF. It was another important milestone in their transition from promising academy graduates to potential first-team regulars.
Ouaddou believes exposing young players to elite environments is central to the club’s long-standing philosophy.
“I think it’s part of the club’s process. Pirates are well known for giving youngsters an opportunity and we have many examples like Nkota, Mofokeng and Mbokazi,” said the Moroccan coach.
“We want to continue with that culture and legacy. That’s why we brought these young players with us to improve them and give them experience at a high level.”
The Pirates mentor admitted all three youngsters had caught his attention during the trip, but reserved particular praise for defender Christian Derbyshire.
“If I have to mention players who impressed me, it’s the three of them. Chris [Derbyshire] has many qualities and I think he has a bright future.”
Padime, widely regarded as one of South Africa’s most exciting young attacking talents, also earned glowing praise after an outstanding DStv Diski Challenge campaign in which he scored 10 goals and provided nine assists.
Ouaddou believes the winger possesses the natural ability to trouble any defender, although he insists there is still room for growth.
“Padime has a lot of quality in one-on-one situations. He can dribble past anybody. But we must teach him when to beat a player and when to keep things simple in the middle of the park.”
Midfielder Siphiwe Masilela also received an encouraging assessment from his coach.
“Masilela is brave, has a very good first touch and is powerful enough to trouble defenders. But he also needs to learn when to play simple because he operates in an area where quick decision-making is very important.”
While excitement continues to build around Pirates’ latest crop of academy graduates, Ouaddou remains mindful that the journey from youth football to the senior game requires patience, discipline and consistent development.
With Mofokeng, Nkota and Mbokazi having already shown what is possible through the Buccaneers’ academy pathway, Derbyshire, Masilela and Padime now have the opportunity to write the next chapter. If their performances in Spain are anything to go by, Orlando Pirates may already be nurturing the club’s next generation of stars.
