South Africa U23 left-back Neo Rapoo says the recent praise from his Orlando Pirates head coach provides extra motivation to keep fighting to stake his claim.
The U20 Africa Cup of Nations champions joined Pirates from Siwelele in the off-season, having been part of the club rebrand after the SuperSport United sale.
Rapoo rose through the academy structures of Matsatsansa and at the age of 21, he’s captained the U20 side, and emerged as one of the most promising talents in the country.
With seven appearances for the Pirates first team, he’s needed to bide his time for opportunities behind Deon Hotto and Nkosikhona Ndaba this season – from whom he admitted he’s learning from.
And the Buccaneers head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has touted both Rapoo and Ndaba to be the next players from the squad to break into the senior national team, sooner rather than later.
“Having someone that believes in you a lot, also gives you that extra motivation, even though it is hard to stay patient, but it’s a thing I have to work on, and just learn from the guys who are playing at the moment, I need to be patient, keep working hard and I will get my chances,” Rapoo said.
“I’ve settled in well, with the grootmanne there, they are treating me well, and they tell me to keep working hard, each and every day, and now coming here with the U23s, I can say I’ve learnt a lot from Hotto and Ndaba.
“They are doing very well, so as a player I just have to be patient, keep working hard and be grateful for the opportunities I get, the time that I play – under coach Ouaddou, just be grateful for the opportunity.”
Rapoo will be competiting with LOSC Lille’s Thato Sibiya for a spot in the XI – who is currently on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns – when they face Madagascar in two Olympic Games qualifiers over the next week.