Orlando Pirates fans fell in love with dribbling wizard Thabo Rakhale last season‚ and next term it could be the turn of young midfielder Menzi Masuku to endear himself to the fans.
The 22-year-old midfielder showed glimpses of brilliance towards the end of the season and is likely to play an even bigger role in the coming season alongside a player he admires‚ captain Oupa Manyisa.
As his game develops and he becomes more consistent‚ Masuku has the tools to become a leading box-to-box midfielder for the Buccaneers. Masuku can shoot from range‚ is not afraid to take players on and has great vision.
Pirates assistant coach Teboho Moloi‚ who coached Masuku at national under-17 level‚ says the youngster has what it takes to break into the starting line-up but has to be patient like the likes of Rakhale and Mpho Makola.
“I have worked with him from the under-17 days. He has grown and what I like about him he is willing to learn and listen. The most important thing for us is to keep him grounded. If we can manage that then he will have a bright future.
“Already he won the goal of the season award. Now we have to make sure he understands when to take shots at goal and when to pass player in a better position than he is in.
“He can play regularly. It depends on how hard he works and how quickly he matures. We will gradually introduce him‚ but he should not sulk if he is not playing. Players like Jomo (Rakhale) and (Mpho) Makola were patient. When the opportunity comes he should grab it.”
Former Pirates midfielder Helman Mkhalele believes Masuku can play regularly‚ but will be under pressure to be consistent.
“From what I have seen he can dribble and he seems to be confident and that can lift his game. When you finish the season well it gives you a boost and his confidence will be very high going into the new season. He could be given an opportunity from the beginning of the season‚” Mkhalele said.
“He will be under pressure to produce the same or even better performances because everyone is talking about him and the potential he has. It depends on how technical team will help in assisting him to deal with that pressure.”
Bucs’ Moloi confident in Rakhale‚ but says youngster has to be ‘patient’
Orlando Pirates fans fell in love with dribbling wizard Thabo Rakhale last season‚ and next term it could be the turn of young midfielder Menzi Masuku to endear himself to the fans.
The 22-year-old midfielder showed glimpses of brilliance towards the end of the season and is likely to play an even bigger role in the coming season alongside a player he admires‚ captain Oupa Manyisa.
As his game develops and he becomes more consistent‚ Masuku has the tools to become a leading box-to-box midfielder for the Buccaneers. Masuku can shoot from range‚ is not afraid to take players on and has great vision.
Pirates assistant coach Teboho Moloi‚ who coached Masuku at national under-17 level‚ says the youngster has what it takes to break into the starting line-up but has to be patient like the likes of Rakhale and Mpho Makola.
“I have worked with him from the under-17 days. He has grown and what I like about him he is willing to learn and listen. The most important thing for us is to keep him grounded. If we can manage that then he will have a bright future.
“Already he won the goal of the season award. Now we have to make sure he understands when to take shots at goal and when to pass player in a better position than he is in.
“He can play regularly. It depends on how hard he works and how quickly he matures. We will gradually introduce him‚ but he should not sulk if he is not playing. Players like Jomo (Rakhale) and (Mpho) Makola were patient. When the opportunity comes he should grab it.”
Former Pirates midfielder Helman Mkhalele believes Masuku can play regularly‚ but will be under pressure to be consistent.
“From what I have seen he can dribble and he seems to be confident and that can lift his game. When you finish the season well it gives you a boost and his confidence will be very high going into the new season. He could be given an opportunity from the beginning of the season‚” Mkhalele said.
“He will be under pressure to produce the same or even better performances because everyone is talking about him and the potential he has. It depends on how technical team will help in assisting him to deal with that pressure.”
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