Padime Responds To Ouaddou Criticism Over Showboating
Orlando Pirates attacker Mpho Padime has opened up about the showboating that has drawn criticism from his coach, saying it comes naturally to him and is not something he consciously controls.
Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has criticised showboating, making it clear that he does not want to see it from his players.
Showboating remains a talking point among South African football fans, with some viewing it as part of the game’s entertainment and creativity, while others question its place in modern football.
Padime, who made his senior debut for Pirates this season, has also earned a place in the South African U23 squad, highlighting his rapid rise in the game.
“I would have liked to change, but sometimes, where I grew up, these things just happen when I’m on the pitch,” said Padime.
“I grew up watching these things most of the time. I did not grow up watching European football. Most of the time, I grew up eKasi [in the township], watching guys from Kasi dribbling.
“So even when I’m on the pitch, sometimes I can’t help it; it just happens.”
The 19-year-old has also been handed the number 38 jersey, previously worn by Relebohile Mofokeng, and has opened up about how inspired he is by the young star.
Mofokeng recently secured a high-profile move to Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise, where he has continued to impress. He also scored a brace for Bafana Bafana against Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday evening in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
“We all know Rele is a good person,” said Padime while speaking to the media at the U23 camp.
“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. He motivates me.
“When we were in the Netherlands with the DDC team, he visited us, but I spent a bit of time with him before we left. I was asking him how he managed to gel in so quickly 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.”
