Cemran Dansin, the latest sensation turning heads at Orlando Pirates, announced himself in emphatic fashion this weekend when he scored a wonder goal that’s been called an early contender for the Puskás Award.
In the 35th minute of Orlando Pirates’ clash against Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld, the 20-year-old Dansin volleyed the ball from the edge of the 18-yard area into the top corner of Ronwen Williams’ goal after the Brazilians had failed to clear Oswin Appollis’ corner kick.
That it left Williams, one of the best goalkeepers on the continent and was nominated for the Yashin Award at last year’s Ballon d’Or Awards flat-footed, made it more special. It was the perfect way to show football lovers in South Africa that you have arrived.
The strike went viral on social media, with many commentators speculating that it could be nominated for the 2026 FIFA Puskás Award, given to the player judged to have scored the most aesthetically significant, or “most beautiful” goal of the calendar year.
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Orlando Pirates’ Cemran Dansin might’ve just scored a Puskás Award contender. 🚀🤯pic.twitter.com/OyRMzhgP4L
— Football Talk (@FootballTalkHQ) November 2, 2025
The goal may have announced his arrival to South African football, but it’s been years in the making. According to the club’s website, the stylish midfielder spent the majority of his teenage years at the SAFA-Transnet School of Excellence, where the likes of Steven Pienaar and Daine Klate honed their skills.
In recent years, Relebohile Mofokeng and Siyabonga Mabena have graduated through the School of Excellence.
After a number of top clubs sought his services, it was the Sea Robbers that came out on top, and he joined the club ahead of the 2023/24 season, where he was thrown into the DStv Diski Challenge mix.
Last season, while captaining the side, a number of impressive showings saw him given the chance of training with the first team, where he continued to impress.
After Saturday’s game at Loftus, Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou spoke about the gamble that comes with selecting such an untested player in a big game against Sundowns, especially where a more established player in Thelente Mbatha was left on the bench.
“It’s very difficult for a coach because if you had lost that game, all he people will tell you ‘the coach put the player without experience’, but as a coach I have worked in development for five-six years,” Ouaddou said in the post-match television interview.
“You have to give chance to this South African youth talent, to give them opportunity to shine, it’s what we did today in a very important game. I think this guy; it is a big experience for him and now we give him chance to grow.
“It’s what I’m going to do, I give chance to the youth, especially South African youth with the talent, we need to give them chance,” Ouaddou added.
His words clearly resonated with Dansin, who expressed both gratitude and determination after his match-winning display.
“I’m happy for the coaches, players, the staff believing in me and giving me the opportunity,” Dansin said when speaking to the Orlando Pirates’ media team.
“And, scoring in such a big game means a lot to me. I hope to keep on going and getting more chances to play,” he continued. “The coach always speaks to me about not looking at my age and being competitive. Playing for this club, it’s an honour for me. “Every time I get the opportunity, I try and give my best and not worry too much about me being the youngest. I’m just looking to fight and give everything,” he concluded.
For Pirates fans, Dansin’s dazzling strike is a glimpse into the club’s future. With his confidence, composure, and eye for the spectacular, the young midfielder looks poised to become the next big name to emerge from South Africa’s production line of talent. If Saturday was any indication, this may just be the beginning of a glittering career in black and white.
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