Mofokeng sends strong message to Pirates rising star Padime
Former Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng has challenged Mpho Padime to change his mentality if he wants to fulfil his huge potential.
Mofokeng revealed that Padime recently told him he would wear the iconic number 38 jersey at Pirates and even suggested the club should have retired the number.
“He called me that day and told me he’s going to wear number 38,” Mofokeng said in an interview on SuperSport’s Giants show.
“Then I asked him what’s the big deal with number 38, and he said he felt they should have retired it.”
Mofokeng – who made the number popular during his time at the Buccaneers – however, believes Padime should not be intimidated by the history attached to the shirt.
“I told him that, ‘I played well and had a good career at Pirates, and you can even surpass it, so why retire the jersey’?,” said Mofokeng.
The former Pirates star believes Padime has the talent to achieve even more than he did. But there is one major area he wants the youngster to improve.
“With his talent he can even do better. He has a lot of talent, even better than mine, but his mentality has to change,” added Mofokeng.
Mofokeng believes the next step is for Padime to become more productive in the final third.
“He must work to get goals and assists. I think everything will be okay. Yes, he’s going to be a top talent.”
Padime is now getting his chance to prove himself on the international stage after joining the South African Under-23 squad.
The young Pirates star will be hoping to carry his impressive domestic form into the upcoming clash against Algeria.
Meanwhile, Mofokeng has made a flying start to life in Europe with Union Saint-Gilloise, scoring four goals and providing one assist in seven appearances across all competitions.
He also recently featured for Bafana Bafana in their 2-1 victory over Guinea.
Now Padime has the talent, the number 38 shirt and the spotlight. Mofokeng believes only one thing can stop him — his mentality.
