Orlando Pirates' Cemran Dansin reflects on award-winning strike against Mamelodi Sundowns

The 20-year-old described the strike as a "moment he will never forget," reflecting on the joy and surprise of scoring in such a crucial match.

Facing Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Stadium last month, Pirates were in a tricky situation with a thin midfield.

Coach Abdelslam Ouaddou, who recently claimed the Coach of the Month award for November and December, handed Dansin a start. Sundowns took the lead through Peter Shalulile in the 20th minute, but Dansin soon made his mark.

A corner from Oswin Appollis was only partially cleared, landing at Dansin's feet. Without hesitation, he unleashed a first-time volley that rocketed into the underside of the crossbar, leaving Sundowns' goalkeeper Ronwen Williams helpless.

The strike not only drew praise locally but also caught attention beyond South Africa's borders.

"It really means a lot because nobody expected me to score such a goal in such an important game," Dansin was quoted on the Bucs website.

"It was a very special moment, and I will never forget it."

Dansin's rise to the senior team has been rapid. Since joining Pirates in the 2023/24 season, his standout performances in the DStv Diski Challenge earned him a call-up during the final stages of the 2024/25 campaign, where he made his debut off the bench against Lamontville Golden Arrows.

He has since made 10 more appearances across competitions, including registering his first CAF Champions League assist.

"Getting the chance to play in the first team sooner than I expected was incredible. Scoring that goal made it even more special," Dansin added.

The Sea Robbers will conclude their year with a clash against the Carling All Stars at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, with Dansin likely to feature.