Orlando Pirates News Today: Padime on Mofokeng contact, will Mokoena face Bucs? And more…

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Orlando Pirates News Today: Padime on Mofokeng contact, will Mokoena face Bucs? And more…

Latest Orlando Pirates news in the last 24 hours, including Mpho Padime opening up on conversation with Relebohile Mofokeng, Itumeleng Khune raves about ex-Bucs attacker, latest on Teboho Mokoena injury, and more.

Padime on relationship with Mofokeng

Orlando Pirates youngster Mpho Padime has opened up on his close relationship with Relebohile Mofokeng after receiving high praise from the Bafana Bafana playmaker.

Mofokeng recently spoke highly of Padime, describing the teenage winger as an exciting talent who reminds him of the South African football culture through his ability to dribble and entertain.

Padime has now revealed that the pair share a close bond, with the Pirates youngster viewing the Belgian-based Mofokeng as a big brother and a source of guidance as he looks to establish himself in the senior game.

“We all know Rele is a good person. He’s someone who gives me advice almost every time I speak to him. He guides me because he’s older than me. I also want to see myself where he is. We speak a lot, he’s like a big brother to me,” Padime said.

Mofokeng’s recent move to Belgium has also provided Padime with further motivation as he looks to follow a similar path from the DStv Diski Challenge into European football. The two youngsters were together during Pirates’ DDC campaign, with Mofokeng taking time to visit the squad when they were in the Netherlands.

Relebohile Mofokeng had a scoring Europa League debut for Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
Relebohile Mofokeng had a scoring Europa League debut for Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. Image: Imago

“He motivates me [his move to Belgium]. When we were in the Netherlands with the DDC team he paid us a visit, but I spent a bit of time with him before we left.”

Padime has since remained in contact with Mofokeng and recently sought advice from the former Pirates star after his impressive start to life in Belgium.

“I was asking him how he managed to gel in so fast with his new team, being South African and not knowing anyone. He said it’s hard work and doing what he was doing in South Africa,” Padime revealed.

Khune sings ex-Pirates star praises

Itumeleng Khune has sang Relebohile Mofokeng praises following the latter’s brace in Bafana Bafana ‘s 5-0 win against Eritrea in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier in Cairo on Wednesday.

The Royale Union SG forward completed a first half brace to inspire the dominant victory over the East Africans and stay on top of group D with two wins in two matches. The brace increased Mofokeng’s goal tally to five in 24 appearances in national colours.

Kaizer Chiefs legend Itumeleng Khune.
Kaizer Chiefs legend Itumeleng Khune.

“Yeah, beautiful strike with his left foot,” said Khune on SABC 2.

“And I mean he surprised all of us because we know that he’s stronger with his right foot, but here, he connected the ball very well.”

“What a great run by Mofokeng. But what I like about it firstly is the first touch, the run, and the execution of the pass from [Oswin] Appollis. Then what a great finish by Rele.”

Will Mokoena recover to play against Pirates?

Teboho Mokoena is expected to recover in time to feature for Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates on October 10, providing a boost for the Brazilians ahead of the highly anticipated clash, according to Soccer Laduma.

Mokoena missed Bafana Bafana’s 5-0 victory over Eritrea in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying encounter in Cairo, Egypt, after picking up an injury in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Guinea in Soweto.

However, indications are that the midfielder’s injury is not as serious as initially feared, with the Sundowns star expected to be back in contention when his club takes on Pirates at the Moses Mabhida Stadium next month.

Mokoena has been an important member of the Bafana squad and his absence was felt by Pitso Mosimane as the national team secured back-to-back victories in their opening two Group D matches.

Teboho Mokoena was captured shedding tears during the national anthem.
Teboho Mokoena was captured shedding tears during the national anthem. Photo: Imago

Aubrey Modiba, who also missed the victory over Eritrea after sustaining an injury against Guinea, could similarly recover in time for the MTN8 final.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

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Willis Sob is a sports betting expert and journalist covering Nigeria and South Africa, with 16 years of experience. With a background in journalism, reporting and programme production, he specialises in football odds, and his work has appeared on OK Africa and GOAL, as well as TV, radio and podcasts.

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