Orlando Pirates are stacked in midfield. However, there’s also a succession plan in place which safeguards their future.
Mpho Padime is emerging from the DDC set-up, while Cemran Dansin has already announced himself on the big stage.
Mphopho is the next big thing for Orlando Pirates
Orlando Pirates Diski Challenge coach Roscoe Krieling replaced Joseph Makhanya at the start of the campaign, and his side sits atop the standings.
Mpho Padime has stood out with his flair and skills. The teenager is now reportedly training with the senior side.
‘Mphopho’ has already garnered huge interest online, with his Instagram account already clocking 16 800 followers.
Krieling has spoken of Padime as one of the most advanced midfielders of his generation, with elegance, maturity, tactical smartness and the ability to boss a game from central areas.
Born in June 2007, the 18-year-old stands 179cm tall.
As with any player this age, it’s not quite clear yet what his best position is, but the signs suggest that he’ll flourish as a deeper-lying midfield orchestrator.
Check out the bios of the Pirates Diski Challenge squad.
Dansin’s screamer against Sundowns gave us a sneak peek
Talented midfield schemer Cemran Dansin started consecutive matches for the Sea Robbers in October/November: A 2-1 win over Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout quarter-finals, and then kept his place against Mamelodi Sundowns.
The 20-year-old scored a screamer of a left-foot volley against the Brazilians from the No 10 position, but is also comfortable in deeper-lying midfield roles after showing promise there during his time with the SAFA School of Excellence.
We could see these two dovetailing for Orlando Pirates in the years to come.
Carling Cup final on the horizon for Orlando Pirates
Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side is preparing for their second cup final this season, against Marumo Gallants on Saturday, 6 December.
Meanwhile, 20-year-old Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who has sealed a switch to the MLS with Chicago Fire, will be available for this clash.
He is eligible for all remaining matches of the calendar year before setting off for Morocco with the Bafana Bafana side to contest the 2025 AFCON.
With a lead to protect in the Betway Premiership, Orlando Pirates are eyeing a first league crown since 2012.