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Pirates to turn to Radiopane for goals against Stellies?
The 19 year old has been in exceptional form for the young Bucs in the Diski Challenge this season, with seven goals to his name.
Boitumelo Radiopane (L) of Orlando Pirates. Picture: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
It remains to be seen whether Orlando Pirates team will give young striker Boitumelo Radiopane more game time with the team struggling to find a consistent goal-scorer ahead of their DStv tie with Stellenbosch FC at Danie Craven Stadium on Wednesday.
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The 19-year old Bucs’ reserves striker made his first senior team official appearance, coming on as a second half substitute in the club’s 0-0 draw with Golden Arrows in a league encounter at the Princess Magogo Stadium last weekend.
Radiopane has been in exceptional form for the young Buccaneers in the DStv Diski Challenge, with seven goals to his name, while Bucs experienced forwards continue to battle to find the back of the net.
Having been introduced in the game with about 13 minutes of regular time remaining against Arrows, the teenage striker couldn’t help the Soweto giants to a victory, but Mandla Ncikazi was pleased with his display, and Radiopane might find himself in the match-day squad for the Stellies clash.
“There was one chance that he had that hit either the defender or goalkeeper but it would have been nice for him to score on debut. We are still very happy for him and we have to be developmental in our approach where we allow the youngsters to grow,” said the Pirates mentor.
“He’s been doing well in the DDC and that’s the approach that the club must adopt. If there’s any chance of a youngster doing well in the DDC, we will give them an opportunity and we’re not disappointed with how he played. In fact, I’m very excited.”
After tasting first team action having featured for the first time for Bucs during the off-season friendly match against Kaizer Chiefs in the Carling Black Label Cup, the young goal-poacher will certainly be eager for more game time. And his sterling performances in the reserves will be something the technical team will be hoping he brings to the seniors.
Meanwhile, the Buccaneers will certainly not have it easy coming up against a Stellenbosch side, which has been impressive in the league so far. The Cape Town based team are in second place on the log with 21 points, chasing log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns who are on 26 points.
