The 21-year-old operated as Orlando Pirates‘ attacking midfielder with Patrick Maswanganyi rested. He also captained the side as Abdeslam Ouaddou handed another opportunity to one of the club’s brightest academy graduates.
CEMRAN DANSIN LEADS ATTACKING MIDFIELD
With Maswanganyi given a breather following the 3-2 defeat to Al-Ittihad, Dansin took responsibility for the creative role behind the striker as Orlando Pirates secured their second victory of the pre-season tour.
As things stand, Maswanganyi and Dansin appear set to share the responsibility of replacing Mofokeng, who completed his move to Royale Union Saint-Gilloise earlier this month. Andre De Jong is currently the third option in the attacking midfield position.
Born on 30 March 2005 in Newclare, Johannesburg, Dansin was developed at the renowned SAFA-Transnet School of Excellence before attracting interest from several top South African clubs.
ORLANDO PIRATES STAR CONTINUES HIS RISE
The Sea Robbers won the race for Dansin’s signature and added him to their DStv Diski Challenge side during the 2023/24 season. He quickly established himself as one of the reserve team’s standout performers. Dansin was rewarded with the captain’s armband before earning regular opportunities to train with the senior squad.
He made his first-team debut in a 3-0 victory over Golden Arrows on 13 May 2025 before being promoted to the senior squad for the 2025/26 campaign.
The attacking midfielder enjoyed a breakthrough season after scoring a stunning long-range equaliser against Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld. The strike earned a nomination for the Betway Premiership Goal of the Season award.
Dansin also helped Orlando Pirates lift the Betway Premiership, League Cup and MTN8.
Pirates will conclude their pre-season tour of Spain with a clash against Saudi Arabian side NEOM SC. The game is set for Friday, 24 July 2026 at 19:00. The match will bring the Buccaneers’ European training camp to an end.
They will then shift their focus to the Betway Premiership. Bucs will open their 2026/27 campaign against newcomers Milford FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, 1 August 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 15:30.