Orlando Pirates teenager Augustine Mahlonoko says he wants to follow in the footsteps of Buccaneers legend Steve Lekoelea.

READ: Micho apologises after Pirates’ false start

The Buccaneers confirmed on Friday that head coach Milutin Sredojevic has promoted the teenager to the senior team.

Pirates made history when they introduced the 16-year-old to the field last Saturday during their 1-1 draw against newly promoted side Highlands Park in Soweto.

The attacking midfielder will also be noted for moving from the Pirates U17 side straight to the senior team in the Absa Premiership.

Mahlonoko says he is determined to emulate what the former Bafana Bafana international achieved at the club.

‘Yes, Steve Lekoelea is coming from my hood. We are from the same kasi,’ Mahlonoko told KickOff.com.

‘It feels great to follow in his footsteps. He made his name at Pirates and I also want to achieve great things with the club.

‘Like any human being, he had his own mistakes but I want to do good things and be a good player, both on and off the field.

READ: Preview: Kaizer Chiefs vs Bidvest Wits

‘I feel proud to be in the same team with the same players that I used to watch on TV. This is a huge inspiration.

‘My first step is to work hard for game time. Most of the players, when they get promoted, struggle with game time and this drops their confidence. So my aim is to get game time and play as many games as I can.’

Speaking about Mahlonoko, Pirates’ head of development Augusto Palacios added: ‘He has good technique. He can create and score goals.’

ALSO READ: Preview: Polokwane City vs Mamelodi Sundowns

Orlando Pirates will be looking for their first win of the season when they take on Chippa United at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Wednesday, with kick-off set for 7:30pm.