Orlando Pirates have a squad built for the present, but it also looks future-proofed with several stars still approaching their peaks.
Best Orlando Pirates team aged 25 or younger
Visagie; Ndlozi, Seema, Sesane, Ndaba; Selepe, Dansin; Sebelebele, Mofokeng, Appollis; Mbuthuma
Even after the exit of gifted 20-year-old Mbekezeli Mbokazi, the Buccaneers still have several young options across the pitch.
Twenty-two year-old Lebone Seema has enjoyed a stellar debut campaign for the Sea Robbers, but will now need to find a new defensive partner after Mbokazi’s exit.
Thabiso Sesane’s long-awaited return from injury edges ever closer. At 25, the ‘senior’ man in the Orlando Pirates defence had surgery in March after a tendon injury and hasn’t been seen since.
An attacking midfield trio of 23-year-old Kamogelo Sebelebele, 21-year-old superstar Relebohile Mofokeng and the electric 24-year-old Oswin Appollis is a threesome that can strike fear into any defence – and it’s only getting more lethal.
Dansin screamer is a sign of things to come at Pirates
Cemran Dansin started consecutive matches for the Sea Robbers in October/November: A 2-1 win over Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout Cup 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.
That memorable goal against the Brazilians was hopefully the first of many for young Dansin.
It also landed him the Betway Premiership Goal of the Month award.
Dansin could well be joined by the gifted teenager Mpho Padime in the Orlando Pirates engine room before long.
Check out Dansin’s screamer again here: