Mofokeng backs Orlando Pirates prospect Padime to reach the top

Relebohile Mofokeng believes Orlando Pirates youngster Mpho Padime has the ability to establish himself in the club’s first team and go on to achieve major success.

The pair have followed a similar route into senior football, progressing through the Orlando Pirates academy and the DStv Diski Challenge before making the step up to the first team.

Padime has also acknowledged Mofokeng as an important source of inspiration. Since being introduced to the professional squad, he has made 3 substitute appearances in the domestic league, impressing with his dribbling and technical ability.

Speaking to SuperSportTV, Mofokeng praised the young midfielder’s style and said Padime’s approach reflected the qualities traditionally associated with South African football.

“I think he’s a very exciting player. He’s very exciting, and he’s very skilful,” Mofokeng said.

“When you are watching him, you feel that South African football thing; you remember where you come from because where we come from, we dribble, we entertain people and all that.”

Mofokeng said Padime’s willingness to take opponents on while advancing with the ball was particularly encouraging.

“So, when I look at him, I feel excited because he dribbles while going forward; he wants to do something for the team,” he added.

The Bafana Bafana midfielder believes Padime can continue progressing if he maintains his current level of performance.

“And I think if he continues like this, he’ll go far because he’s a very good player. He’s got the height; his work rate also speaks for him,” Mofokeng said.

“I think if he continues like this, he’ll play in the first team. From the first team, he can get better options and go far.”

Padime’s early appearances have come as Mofokeng has made an impressive start to his own career in Belgium with Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

The midfielder has scored 4 goals and provided 1 assist in 9 appearances across all competitions for the Belgian Pro League side.

Mofokeng is currently with the senior Bafana Bafana squad in Egypt as part of his international commitments.

Padime, meanwhile, has stayed closer to home after joining the South African Under-23 national team, who are preparing for their upcoming match against Algeria.

The contrasting international assignments come as both players continue their development after making their way through the Orlando Pirates system and the DStv Diski Challenge.