Young Orlando Pirates talent Mpho Padime has spoken openly about the long wait for his chance after scoring the winner on his first senior start for the club.

The 19-year-old academy graduate netted the only goal as the defending champions beat Sekhukhune United 1-0 at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday. The result booked Pirates’ place in the Carling Knockout Cup semi-finals, where they will join Mamelodi Sundowns.

Padime struck in the 31st minute after Tshepang Moremi delivered a dangerous cross into the box. The ball fell kindly at the far post and the unmarked forward kept his composure to poke it home. It was his second goal of the season and enough to settle a tight quarter-final.

After the match he was voted Champion Player of the Match by the fans and walked away with the R100 000 prize money that comes with the award. Speaking on SuperSport TV, the young midfielder kept his words simple but honest.

“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,” he said.

He thanked coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and his teammates for trusting him and admitted the afternoon was a happy one. Padime said the coaching staff had told the players to keep getting into the box and be patient because Sekhukhune would not give anything away easily.

“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,” he added.

On the R100 000, Padime said he would sit down with his family before deciding how to use the money. He knows they are proud of him wherever they are.

Pirates had to dig deep in the second half after Sekhukhune pushed for an equaliser, but the defence held firm. The win marked the Buccaneers’ fourth victory over Babina Noko this season and keeps their defence of the Carling Knockout title firmly on track.

For a player who arrived from the township feeling nervous, Saturday at eSgodini was the perfect start to his first-team journey. Padime’s goal, his Man of the Match award and that R100 000 cheque have given Pirates fans a new name to watch as the Sea Robbers chase another domestic cup.

Source: https://x.com/iDiskiTimes/status/2119129056419426451?a=M7k-yqekYZklA-IEPZo&s=19