Orlando Pirates’ yesteryear superstar Teboho Moloi has shared his thoughts on the emergence of fresh talent from the development structures to maintain club traditions.
Pirates’ identity has been preserved, coming through with Relebohile Mofokeng, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Boitumelo Radiopane, Azola Tshobeni, Mohau Nkota, and Thabiso Sesane headlining the crop that is in the current first team.
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In the recent past, the club had Joseph Makhanya, Benedict Vilakazi, and the late Lesley Manyathela coming up, followed by Gift Leremi, Lebohang Mokoena, Phumudzo Manenzhe, then Excellent Walaza, Senzo Meyiwa, Kelebogile Mabe, Lindokuhle Mkhwanazi, Tlou Segolela, Tshepiso Tshabalala, and Michael Morton amongst others in the list of players coming through the Soweto giants' ranks.
"This is not the first time that the club has promoted youngsters," highlights Moloi after being asked about the promotion of development products in keeping with the club’s identity.
"Pirates has always been a team that promotes youngsters and Pirates has always been a team that gets a coach who understands the integration of youngsters,” says Moloi.
"Before we can start talking of these youngsters, in the '80s there was 'Killer' Mkhwanazi, 'Metroblitz' Sithole, Ace Khuse before he left for (Kaizer) Chiefs and (Mamelodi) Sundowns, and 'KK' Sono.
"Pirates has always been a team that always had room for youngsters, so I don’t foresee any problems with youngsters coming through, especially coming from a player who has played for the team.
"He (Joseph Makhanya) has given us all the Cocomelons that understand his motto of the fact that you find the supporters happy and leave the supporters happy.
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"So, I don’t think that whoever will be coming in or taking over will start sidelining or disregarding the structures that have been there.
"Development players need to be part of the first team," says Moloi.
