Teko Modise has called for patience from Orlando Pirates supporters following Mpho Padime’s promising first-team debut, insisting the teenage midfielder must be given time to adapt to the demands and pressures of first-team football.
Padime, affectionately known as “Phopho”, made his long-awaited senior debut during Pirates’ 3-0 MTN8 semi-final second-leg victory over Sekhukhune United at the Orlando Amstel Arena.
The 19-year-old was introduced late in the encounter as the Buccaneers secured a 4-0 aggregate victory to book their place in the MTN8 final. Despite his limited time on the pitch, Padime made an immediate impression and played a role in Pirates’ third goal.
His emergence represents the latest example of the Buccaneers’ faith in their development system, which has produced several youngsters who have successfully made the transition from the DDC ranks to the senior team.
Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota, Camren Dansin and Mbekezeli Mbokazi are among the recent graduates to have been given opportunities at senior level, with Mbokazi subsequently earning a move to MLS side Chicago Fire and Mofokeng securing a transfer to Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
While Modise believes Padime’s promotion is another indication of the quality coming through Pirates’ development structures, he has warned against placing excessive expectations on the youngster after just two appearances.
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“As early as it is in the season, it’s also advisable not to look too much into the young players that have been given the opportunity to come into the first team because the season is very long.”
For Modise, the focus should be on allowing Padime to develop at his own pace while gradually learning to deal with the demands that come with playing for one of the country’s biggest clubs.
“We need to allow the players to grow and to mature into the game and to be able to sustain the pressure that comes with playing for big clubs,” said Modise.
The former Bafana Bafana midfielder also pointed to the expectations that come with becoming a fan favourite at Pirates.
“Once the Orlando Pirates fans love you, there is a lot of demand that comes with being a fan favourite.”
Modise believes the club’s willingness to promote youngsters was strengthened during Jose Riveiro’s tenure, with the former Pirates coach regularly giving opportunities to players emerging from the DDC setup.
“Coach Jose Riveiro sowed this at Orlando Pirates. They have faith in their youngsters and the DDC players that graduate into the first team,” added Modise.
“Those players have really stood up and become a core part of the Orlando Pirates senior team, with the best reference being Rele and Nkota.”
Modise expects that pathway to continue, but believes the key is ensuring youngsters are properly prepared before being exposed to the demands of senior football.
“I think Orlando Pirates will still continue with what they’ve been doing by making sure that the players are ready for the first team when being given a chance.”