Cape Town Spurs head coach Ernst Middendorp has given his verdict on the return of striker Boitumelo Radiopane, following their 3-1 win over AmaZulu FC in a DStv Premiership tie on Saturday evening.
The showdown took place at Athlone Stadium, where CT Spurs managed to register their second win of the season and the first for Middendorp since taking over the coaching reins at the club in November 2023.
The Orlando Pirates product, Radiopane, made his first appearance since he broke his foot during the PSL Promotional Playoffs in May 2023.
Radiopane played a significant role in helping the Cape club secure promotion to the SA’s elite league from the Motsepe Foundation Championship last season.
Coach Middendorp has since come forward to share what he thinks of Radiopane’s performance on his return.
The former Kaizer Chiefs mentor deemed Radiopane as one of the players who impressed him the most from yesterday’s game against Usuthu.
ERNST MIDDENDORP’S VERDICT ON BOITUMELO RADIOPANE
“We can mention lots of guys, even the Man of the Match, knowing that Boitumelo [Radiopane] never played even once after being out since last May or June. He was with us three days in full training,” said Middendorp.
“If you see a player handling 45 minutes in such a way is really impressive. He did something I was not expecting. I was prepared to look around after 20 minutes to see what was going on.
“But it’s really something that I can see that he wants to contribute and help us chase the teams above us… He’s not really fit or on 100% level, not at all. But impressive under the circumstances he did it.”
As things stand, CT Spurs remain at the basement [16th place] of the DStv Premiership log standings with seven points from 17 outings.
CAPE TOWN SPURS’ NEXT ASSIGNMENT
The Urban Warriors’ next game will be against the Motsepe Foundation Championship side AmaTuks in a Nedbank Cup Last 32 clash on Wednesday, 21 February 2024.
The showdown is scheduled to start at 19:00 at Tuks Stadium.
RELATED STORY: Cracks in Spurs dressing room threaten Ernst Middendorp’s future
