Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has defended his bold team
selection after being rewarded with a crucial goal from youngster Camren
Dansin in their 1-1 draw with Mamelodi Sundowns.
Ouaddou handed the 20-year-old Dansin back-to-back starts for the first time
in his career, a decision that paid off handsomely when the young player
silenced his doubters with a superb volley to equalize in the first half.
The Buccaneers coach insists he will continue to place his faith in the
club’s youth. “It’s difficult for the coach because if you had lost that
game, people would say the coach put in a player without experience,”
Ouaddou explained to SuperSport. “But as a coach, I have worked in
development for five or six years. You have to give a chance to this South
African youth talent, to give them the opportunity to shine.”
Ouaddou emphasized the importance of trusting young players in high-pressure
matches, stating that the game against Sundowns was a perfect example.
“That’s what we did today in a very important game. I think for this guy, it
is a big experience, and now we give him the chance to grow.”
He concluded with a firm commitment to his philosophy: “It’s what I’m going
to do. I give a chance to the youth, especially South African youth with
talent. We need to give them a chance.”
