Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela says he was not surprised by the fearless debut of Relebohile Ratomo in their 1-1 draw with Royal AM in the DStv Premiership at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday.
Ratomo, who has been the star of Pirates’ DStv Diski Challenge side that is chasing the title this season, was given his senior debut by Bucs coach Jose Riveiro, with the 18-year-old not suffering any stage fright.
He almost capped his debut with a goal, with his deflected shot coming off Elias Pelembe to nestle in the net.
Afterwards, Ratomo grew in confidence on the right hand side, cutting in to link up and also showing creativity in the attacking areas.
Based on the debut on Wednesday, the future looks bright for Ratomo, and Maela, who just like him comes from the club’s famed development, said he wasn’t surprised by the starlet’s performance.
“I think he had a good game,” said the Buccaneers’ captain.
“It was a good debut for him. The way we trained, it is not surprising that when a player comes in and plays at the level that he did.
“We will try to help him as much as any youngster, try to ensure their head is faced down, make sure that he works hard, try to improve each and every day.”
Maela added Ratomo’s stylish display shouldn’t go to his head after impressing the club’s fans in his first full 90 minutes.
“It is a start for him but he knows that he needs to keep calm, keep working, and fight to improve each and every day so that he can fulfil his potential,” he continued.
“It was a good day for him and we hope that continues like this.”
Ratomo, just like Maela, will hope to feature when Pirates face Kaizer Chiefs in the big Soweto Derby in the Nedbank Cup semi final at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
