Orlando Pirates teenage sensation Mpho Padime has revealed the influence Relebohile Mofokeng has had on his development at the Buccaneers.

The 19-year-old was one of Pirates’ standout performers last season in the DStv Diski Challenge, which subsequently earned a call-up to the senior team.

Padime, who is seen as the next big star of the club, has since been handed the No. 38 jersey, which was previously worn by Mofokeng before his departure to Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

Padime says Mofokeng’s move to Belgium has also inspired him, while he continues to settle into the Pirates first-team environment.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“Camp has been good. The guys and the coaches have welcomed me well, so yeah, it’s good.”