First start, winning goal and R100,000! Orlando Pirates youngster reacts to unforgettable afternoon
Mpho Padime could hardly have dreamed of a better first start for Orlando Pirates.
Details: The 19-year-old academy graduate scored the only goal in Orlando Pirates' 1-0 victory over Sekhukhune United in the Carling Knockout Cup quarterfinals on Saturday, November 7. Padime was also named Man of the Match, receiving R100,000 in prize money. Speaking to SuperSport TV, he couldn't hide his delight: “I feel very happy, and I’d like to thank the coaches and my teammates for the opportunity they granted me, so yeah I’m very happy.”
The youngster admitted that reaching this moment had been far from easy:
“There’s not much I can say because I’ve been waiting for my chance. I’m from the township and when I first arrived, I was scared but I’ve always wanted to be here.”
Padime also revealed the instructions that helped him find the breakthrough:
“That’s what the coach told us to play inside the [Sekhukhune] box, we will get a goal, and we just need to be patient because our opponents obviously didn’t come here to lose either.”
Reflecting on the difficult encounter, he added:
“It wasn’t easy out there on the pitch, but obviously we have to show that we’re Pirates. It’s hard but we had to try something even if it means we win 1-0, we’ll take it and work better next time.”
Asked what he planned to do with his R100,000 prize, Padime gave a heartfelt response:
“I’ll decide with the family what we’ll do with it because I know wherever they are, they are very happy.”
It's worth noting that this was Orlando Pirates' fourth victory over Sekhukhune United this season. Abdeslam Ouaddou's side have now joined Mamelodi Sundowns in the Carling Knockout semifinals as they continue their title defense.
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Steven Perez
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