Orlando Pirates youngster Mpho Padime has revealed how his upbringing in the township shaped his unique style of flair on the field of play.
Padime, affectionately known as ‘Phopho’, is currently with the South African Under-23 squad preparing for two international friendly matches against Algeria.
Raymond Mdaka’s side left Gauteng for Bloemfontein on Wednesday ahead of Thursday’s first encounter, with the second meeting scheduled for Sunday at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium.
The 20-year-old winger enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last season, playing a key role as Pirates won their maiden DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) title. Padime finished the campaign with 10 goals, performances which ultimately earned him promotion to the senior team.
Since making the step up, the youngster has been used largely as an impact player, with his ability to take on defenders and create opportunities offering Pirates an additional attacking dimension.
He has made four appearances across all competitions this season.
However, Padime’s natural flair has put him at odds with Ouaddou’s philosophy. The Pirates coach has repeatedly warned his players against showboating, insisting it can become a distraction and feed individual egos rather than help the team.
Padime, though, says his tricks are not something he consciously plans to produce.
“Well, I would like to change, but sometimes, things like that just happen naturally, you know. I grew up watching showboating most of the time. I didn’t grow up watching European football,” Padime explained.
“So, I grew up in Kasi (township), watching the boys dribbling. Even when I’m on the playing ground, showboating is not something that I do deliberately; it just happens because it’s within me.”