The 22-year-old attacking midfielder inspired Orlando Pirates in Tuesday night’s 3-0 win over TS Galaxy at the Orlando Amstel Arena.
The Ermelo-born player scored his first goal for the Buccaneers in what was his sixth appearance since graduating from the DStv Diski Challenge reserve team.
ORLANDO PIRATES COACH MAKES HUGE SIMPHIWE MASILELA CLAIM
His goal capped an impressive performance that included nine progressive carries, 1/1 successful dribbles (100%), five progressive passes, two total shots (one inside the box and one outside the box), three key passes, 6/6 accurate layoffs (100%), 10 accurate passes in the final third, five ball recoveries and 2/3 tackles won (67%).
Speaking after the game, Orlando Pirates coach Ouaddou described Masilela as one of the best talents he had ever seen. “What I can tell you is that he has all the attributes, he has all the potential,” Ouaddou told journalists.
“All the qualities to express himself at a high level. I can tell you that I have worked for six, seven years in development [youth football] in France, at the Michel Platini Academy, so I have seen lots and lots of young players…
“And he is one of the best that I have seen. That is why I try sometimes… with a bit more experience than him, I am older than him. I have seen lots and lots of players and I try to put these young players on the right path…
WHAT ABDESLAM OUADDOU EXPECTS FROM HIM
“In the requirement of the high-level football. To leave out certain things that are not going to help them. Some people are fighting the coach. But without any arrogance and with lots of humility…
“I think we know what we are talking about and where we want to bring our players. And if you see this player from the Marumo Gallants match, what the coach expects from him. He started these kinds of actions against Marumo in Rustenburg. After that we saw him the final [MTN8]…
“This is exactly what I am expecting from a 10. A modern 10. And it’s up to him. If he wants to continue on that path. He knows what the requirements are. If he wants to lose himself, he knows the other path,” Ouaddou added.
Coming up next for Masilela and Orlando Pirates is a CAF Champions League second-round preliminary qualifier. They face Namibian champions African Stars on Saturday at 15:00 in Botswana.
HOW IMPRESSIVE HAS THE YOUNGSTER BEEN?
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