Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Thomas Sweswe has hailed Orlando Pirates’ scouts for identifying talent over the years.
The Buccaneers have recently produced top talents such as Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Simphiwe Selepe, Cemran Dansin, just to name a few.
Before that, Relebohile Mofokeng, Thabiso Sesane and Mohau Nkota were some of the breakout players who played in the Pirates academy team.
Speaking to FARPost, Sweswe felt Pirates were ahead of their competitors when it came to scouting talent.
“I’ve got to give credit to Orlando Pirates’ scouting and talent identification team. They’re doing a great job in producing young players who are fitting in well in the Betway Premiership,” said Sweswe.
“It sets them apart from most teams in the league and makes them a brilliant team to watch. The way they identify talent and nurture it is impressive, and it’s clear that they’re building for the future.”
Orlando Pirates have one of the youngest squads in the league
In their last two matches, the Buccaneers’ starting eleven had only one player who was 30 years of age. In fact,the majority of the Pirates starting eleven are under 25, which is impressive compared to their rivals, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Deon Hotto, Sihle Nduli, Makhehlene Makhaula, Thapelo Xoki and Nkosinathi Sibisi are the only five players who are 30 and above. Most of these players are not regulars under Abdeslam Ouaddou, as he opts to field the young players over experience.
So far, it has worked for Orlando Pirates with Mbekezeli Mbokazi leading the team to the MTN8 back in September.