"Ratomo should respect the game and remain grounded" - Innocent Maela


By Neo Poho

After an incredible performance during his debut on Wednesday afternoon against Royal AM, Orlando Pirates' teenage sensation Relebohile Ratomo has been adviced to remain grounded and respect the game of football.

The youngster who comes from Pirates' DStv Diski Challenge team went on to have a huge impact on the game on Wednesday as his shot in the 54th minute was deflected off Elias Pelembe for the opening goal in the 1-1 draw with Royal AM who equalised in the dying minutes of the encounter.

Although there has been a huge uproar concerning Ratomo from the football fans, Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela believes the 17 year old still needs a lot of guidance towards the right direction to remain grounded.

Speaking at the Orlando Pirates press conference ahead of the Nedbank Cup semi-final clash with Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday, Maela insisted Ratomo is a great player with a bright future however, he needs to remain grounded and disciplined.

"Ratomo had a good game, it was a good debut for him and considering 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 him along with the other youngsters and I believe he knows that he needs to work hard and improve in each game to realise his full potential as a player, we are obviously 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 and my advice is that he has to remain grounded and respectful and continue to dream big," Maela said.

Amid the praises from Maela concerning Ratomo, Pirates striker Kermit Erasmus has also revealed what he said to Ratomo before his debut against Royal AM on Wednesday.

"He was sitting next to me in the change room and he looked a bit nervous, all I told him was to never forget that he has the ability to play and he proved it with that stellar display," Erasmus said.

Erasmus furthermore alluded that Ratomo should keep his feet on the ground because he has the potential to scale the heights.

“You could see in the game, he had so much fun, he is such a great talent and I just hope that he has a great career and he must keep his feet firmly on the ground."

“For me he is a special player, the things he does at training are mind-blowing, he is brave, he’s got a big heart despite his physical structure, he has a small structure and I speak about that because I am also not the tallest player in the pitch but when you have made up your mind to play and unleash your talent nothing can stop you," Erasmus added.

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Football

Relebohile Ratomo

Orlando Pirates

Innocent Maela

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