Simphiwe Masilela is the next exciting midfielder to emerge from Orlando Pirates’ development system.
The youngster stands out with his unique natural ability to drive with the ball at speed through midfield into the final third.
He combines close control with impressive physical strength. This allows Masilela, 19, to shrug off challenges, beat aggressive presses and carry the ball beyond defensive lines.
Those qualities make him perfectly suited to the Betway Premiership.
ORLANDO PIRATES HAVE A GEM
Masilela is currently with Orlando Pirates’ first-team squad in Spain after earning the trust of head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. His promotion follows an outstanding campaign with the club’s reserve side, where he helped the Buccaneers lift the .
His journey to the senior squad has been anything but conventional. The Buccaneers discovered the midfielder while he was playing in the Pirates Cup in 2023.
Born in Ermelo, Mpumalanga, he plays as a 10, 8 and 6.
SPAIN TOUR OFFERS BIG OPPORTUNITY
As previously reported, Masilela and his reserve team peers, Cristian Derbyshire and Mpho Padime are in Spain with the senior team. The training camp gives Ouaddou the chance to assess Masilela against strong international opposition.
It also allows the midfielder to continue adapting to the intensity and tactical demands of senior football while building chemistry with the first-team squad.
A positive pre-season could significantly strengthen his chances of featuring during the 2026/27 campaign. There is growing excitement around Masilela’s potential at Orlando Pirates.
His composure, technical quality and ability to carry the ball through midfield have already made him one of the club’s brightest prospects.
If his development continues on its current path, the Sea Robbers supporters could soon witness another academy graduate establish himself as one of the Betway Premiership’s most exciting midfielders.
HAVE YOU WATCH HIM IN THE ORLANDO PIRATES RESERVE TEAM?
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