While coach Jose Riveiro has been diplomatic in his comments about Orlando Pirates’ new kid on the block Relebohile Ratomo after his debut, captain Innocent Maela has been buzzing.
Innocent Maema believes Relebohile Ratomo can potentially be Orlando Pirates’ next big thing.
But only if he remains respectful and hard-working after graduating from the team’s developmental side.
The 17-year-old, Relebohile Ratomo, played a blinder in Orlando Pirates’ 1-1 draw with Royal AM on Wednesday afternoon.
Relebohile Ratomo had his main debut moment when his goal-bound sizzling strike deflected into the nets off Elias Pelembe.
Although it was registered as an own goal, Ratomo rather gave a glimmer of what he has to offer if effectively deployed.
WHAT INNOCENT MAELA SAID ABOUT RELEBOHILE RATOMO’S DEBUT
And skipper Innocent Maela sees brighter days ahead of the Buccaneers’ new kid on the block.
“Ratomo had a good game. It was a good debut for him. With the way we train, it’s not a surprise that a player comes and plays at the level that he did.
“We do try and help, especially the youngsters, so they keep their head and face down and work hard.
“He knows that he needs to work hard and improve in each game to realise his full potential as a player.
“We are happy for him, and we hope that he continues like this for the benefit of the team. He has the potential to be a big star. My advice is that he has to remain grounded and respectful and must dream big.
“He must respect the game. The fact that he comes from our developmental side to the first team shows the good work that was done.
“We are here to guide him and help him do his best. We hope that he remains disciplined as a player so that he reaches his full potential,” Maela said.
HOW JOSE RIVEIRO WANTS TO PROTECT RELEBOHILE RATOMO
However, coach Jose Riveiro is not getting over-excited about the prospects of the
Instead, Jose Riveiro says his focus is on oiling the Buccaneers to be ruthless collectively.
“We think in the collective. We want to ensure that whatever we do as individuals reflects in the team’s performance.
“That’s how we try to see our picture as a group. Every player coming to the team means he has done well to be there.
“All of the players in the team are good as individuals, but then the key is how we can manage to have them play good football together.
“That’s how we protect players to think in the collective. What we think and do is always in the collective,” Riveiro said.
With one eye on Saturday’s Nedbank Cup semi-final against Kaizer Chiefs, it will be no surprise if Relebohile Ratomo is thrown into the fray.
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