Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has tipped new signing Neo Rapoo for a bright Bafana Bafana future—even before the young defender has made his official debut for the Buccaneers.
The talented left-back joined Pirates in the current transfer window from Siwelele FC for the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season.
Rapoo earned a move to Pirates after proving his qualities at Siwelele in the previous season, where he established himself as the club’s regular starter.
The 20-year-old was one of the key players at Siwelele under Lehlohonolo Seema in their maiden season in the SA top-flight after purchasing the status of SuperSport United in July 2025.
Rapoo came through SuperSport’s development ranks and worked his way to the senior team before the club sold its PSL status to Siwelele FC.
The left-footed defender spent three seasons with SuperSport’s senior team after gaining promotion in August 2022. In his spell with Matsatsantsa, Rapoo constantly showcased his qualities both in defence and attack.
Rapoo featured in 22 appearances across all competitions for SuperSport United and chipped in with one assist. At Siwelele, the SA junior international registered 27 games with three assists under his name.
The decent performances saw him sign with the Buccaneers, where he will compete with veteran Deon Hotto and Nkosikhona Ndaba at left-back. Rapoo arrived at Pirates alongside other notable names such as Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Gamphani Lungu, Sbangani Zulu and Sebastian Pedersen, amongst others.
WHAT OUADDOU SAID ABOUT NEO RAPOO
Although the wing-back is yet to make his official debut for Pirates, Ouaddou has already tipped him to become one of the best Bafana players in the near future.
“I see Rapoo as the next international player along with Ndaba; they are full of qualities in terms of capacity to repeat efforts,” Ouaddou said.
“If you see our game model, it’s very demanding, and they are able to play combinations in the final third; they are able to score and give fantastic crosses.
“So about the clarity of Rapoo, he’s someone who’s efficient with set pieces; I think he will bring his competencies to our group, as you know we have a lot of games [in the new season], and I’m sure he will be successful.”
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