Radiopane: Pirates’ solution with Mbuthuma struggling and Pedersen adapting?

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has expressed his confidence in striker Boitumelo Radiopane, stating the player has “all the qualities to be successful” after he found the net in a 2-0 Betway Premiership victory against Sekhukhune United on Tuesday.

Radiopane was handed his first start of the season and made an immediate impact, scoring the opening goal at Orlando Amstel Arena.

The 24-year-old had been left out of the squad for the previous two matches but repaid his coach’s faith with a crucial strike before Oswin Appollis secured the three points.

The goal was a significant one, as Radiopane became the first recognised centre-forward for the Buccaneers to score this season, six games into the campaign.

Ouaddou impressed by Radiopane

“I’m very happy for him,” Ouaddou told the media following the match as quoted by FARPost. “I hope it will give him trust and confidence because this boy definitely has what he needs and what the post of a striker asks for.”

“He has all the qualities to be successful. I hope it will be the beginning for him, and without forgetting [Sifiso] Luthuli as well. I hope Luthuli is going to help us,” the coach added.

Radiopane’s inclusion in the starting lineup came at the expense of Yanela Mbuthuma, who was absent from the matchday squad. Mbuthuma had started the previous five games without scoring or providing an assist, leading to increased pressure on the forward.

Ouaddou also made other changes, bringing in centre-back Sbangani Zulu for captain Nkosinathi Sibisi and handing a first start to Daniel Msendami. The coach explained that squad rotation was necessary to manage player workload and prevent injuries.

Is ‘Radioman’ Pirates’ attacking answer?

“When you are playing three games in a row like that… we have to be careful about the load,” Ouaddou explained, referencing the team’s busy schedule which includes an upcoming MTN8 semi-final second leg against the same opponents.

“It’s our job to anticipate possible injuries, so of course we rested [players]. Mbuthuma, I think he had a lot of game time. It was a moment to give him some rest and to see other strikers as well. It was the right moment to do a rotation,” he concluded. “It was an opportunity for some players to show, and we gave the chance to everybody.”

However, while the decision on Mbuthuma was tactical, Radiopane’s performance will leave Ouaddou with something to think about as the former has been struggling in front of goal and risks losing his place if the ‘Radioman’ continues finding the back of the net.

With Evidence Makgopa injured and new signing Sebastian Pedersen still adapting to South African football, Ouaddou is short on experienced strikers and Radiopane, who has had to deal with very limited playing time at Pirates, could be the solution if he can maintain the scoring run.