Abdeslam Ouaddou has handed a young striker a huge compliment, and he says Sifiso Luthuli’s time at Orlando Pirates is only just beginning.

Luthuli made his first appearance of the 2026/27 season as a second-half substitute in Pirates’ 1-0 Carling Knockout quarterfinal win over Sekhukhune United at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday. Teenage sensation Mpho Padime scored the only goal in the first half, sending Pirates into the semi-finals, where they join Mamelodi Sundowns, who beat Golden Arrows 1-0 earlier in the week.

Luthuli replaced Yanela Mbuthuma, and the coach liked what he saw.

“About Luthuli, he has been doing well since the beginning of the season in the team of impact players. He showed us some great signs, and he was scoring,” Ouaddou said.

Ouaddou said he wanted to protect his other strikers, Evidence Makgopa, Boitumelo Radiopane and Sebastian Pedersen, and that it was the right moment for Luthuli.

“Yes, he showed some good signs of football; he’s somebody who’s able to play between the lines, good in the air even if we didn’t see him that much today; he’s somebody who is very efficient in the box.

“He’s somebody who can score with his left and right foot. What I like about him is the fighting spirit. He’s able to press, and he’s a hard worker.

“I think he’s the future of Orlando Pirates, and we have to give him time and keep on bringing him in to give him experience in the team.”

The 25-year-old came through the Pirates development structures and returned to the club this season after spending the second half of last season at Magesi FC.

He played 16 matches there, scoring once and providing four assists, but could not save the Limpopo side from relegation to the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

The competition for places is fierce. Luthuli is up against Mbuthuma, Makgopa, Radiopane and Pedersen. Ouaddou has made clear that he sees a bright future for the forward, and he wants him to earn it.

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