With Relebohile Mofokeng departing Soweto for Belgian outfit Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has begun testing his creative options. During the Buccaneers’ 1-0 pre-season victory over Spanish side UD Las Palmas, 21-year-old academy product Cemran Dansin pulled the strings in the attacking midfield role—and wore the captain’s armband.
With Patrick Maswanganyi rested following the team’s 3-2 clash against Al-Ittihad, Dansin took full advantage of the spotlight to prove that Pirates have an internal solution to replace Mofokeng’s flair.
From School of Excellence to First-Team Leader
Born on 30 March 2005 in Newclare, Johannesburg, Dansin developed his fundamentals at the SAFA-Transnet School of Excellence before signing with Orlando Pirates for their DStv Diski Challenge side in 2023/24.
His rapid development through the ranks reached milestone heights across recent seasons:
- Senior Debut: May 2025 in a 3-0 victory against Golden Arrows.
- Breakthrough Moment: Scored a long-range equalizer against Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld, earning a nomination for the Betway Premiership Goal of the Season.
- Silverware Success: Contributed to the Buccaneers’ domestic treble-winning campaign (Betway Premiership, League Cup, and MTN8).
Pre-Season Final Stage & Season Opener
Orlando Pirates wrap up their European pre-season tour in Spain with a friendly against Saudi Arabian club NEOM SC on Friday, 24 July 2026 at 19:00.
The Sea Robbers then return home to kick off their 2026/27 domestic title defense against newly promoted Milford FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, 1 August 2026 at 15:30.
