Boitumelo Radiopane was on target for Orlando Pirates during their 2-0 Betway Premiership win over Sekhukhune United at Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday.
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Boitumelo Radiopane could be the team’s go-to striker for goals if he continues to show the same maturity going forward after an impressive outing against Sekhukhune United at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night.
Pirates will face Sekhukhune in their last game of the triple-header – the MTN8 semi-final second leg at home on Saturday afternoon (3pm) – having already won the first leg last Saturday and the Betway Premiership clash midweek.
Despite their impressive start to the season – winning three games and drawing one before the midweek clash – Pirates have struggled to find a potent attack. Yanela Mbuthuma is offbeat, while Sebastien Pedersen is yet to get off the mark.
Enter Radiopane. The 23-year-old grabbed his first start of the season with both hands, scoring the opener and registering an assist against Babina Noko.
Radiopane could very well be one of the solutions to Pirates' domestic treble aspirations this season, starting with the MTN8. While they hold an advantage over Babina Noko after winning the reverse leg 1-0 – bagging a crucial away goal – they still need to confirm their passage to a fifth successive final in the competition with a convincing win at home.
Speaking exclusively to IOL Sport on Thursday, former Pirates striker and MTN8 ambassador Lehlohonolo Majoro revealed why he believes "Radioman" could be ready to inspire the team to yet another cup final – and more.
“One thing that I took from that match, especially regarding his assist, is that he has maturity and team spirit,” Majoro said. “It showed that even though he's not playing frequently, he was mentally ready and grabbed his opportunity.
“I know that when you are a striker in and around the box, the only thing you think about is taking a shot. It's a matter of ‘let me score.’ But he had the presence of mind to know that Oswin was in a better scoring position. That showed maturity. He should be applauded for that, especially as he tries to become a regular.”
Majoro, who is studying to become a strikers' coach, advised Radiopane to seek growth and momentum, adding that he should build his profile into becoming a complete striker.
“It’s very important for him to build on this momentum. In a team like Orlando Pirates, there’s always quality eager to get that opportunity,” Majoro reflected. “So, it’s very important for a player to grab their chance with both hands.
“As strikers, I know we are judged on goals, but we must be able to work on and off the ball. This makes the job easier for the entire group. As a former forward, I know we like to say that defending starts from the front, so that’s vital.
“I believe with the performance he showed against Sekhukhune, he can build on that. I know how much he’s yearning to play and showcase his talent. He’s getting into the right spaces and has the appetite to do well.”
Granted, Radiopane will feel more confident than ever about leading the attack – Evidence Makgopa is out injured, Mbuthuma is struggling, and Pedersen has yet to settle. However, Majoro warned the young striker against thinking he has arrived.
“I think he must not put himself under pressure, though. He must take it one game at a time and not look too far ahead,” Majoro said. “He just needs to keep believing that he’s going to score.”
