Boitumelo Radiopane’s ex-coach Themba Dlamini has offered a piece of advice to Orlando Pirates on the young talented striker.
Dlamini groomed and developed Radiopane at the academy level; Celta Academy Evaton. Afterwards, the striker was snapped by Pirates.
Radiopane has been in the books of the Pirates’ first team since the 2021/22 season after he was promoted from the reserve side, DStv Diski Challenge team.
In the following two seasons [2022/23 and 2023/24], he was sent out on loan to Cape Town Spurs. The first campaign was in the Motsepe Foundation Championship while the second was in the Betway Premiership.
The 22-year-old’s progress with CT Spurs was disturbed by a long-term injury setback [bone fructure] in June 2023 which saw him recover in January 2024. He rattled in seven goals in 36 matches.
Ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, he returned to the Sea Robbers and is now fighting for a place in the starting line-up. He competes for a startling place with the likes of Tshegofatso Mabasa, Zakhele Lepasa and Evidence Makgopa.
So far, this season the goal poacher has made two appearances in all competitions. He’s yet to find the back of the net or grab an assist. He may feature when the Bucs take on Stellenbosch FC in the MTN8 final on Saturday, 5 October at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
THEMBA DLAMINI ON BOITUMELO RADIOPANE
Dlamini has adviced Pirates to monitor Radiopane’s workload so he stays injury-free. He believes that the young forward can do well if he is fully fit.
“When we are talking of [Boitumelo] Radiopane, we are talking of a top striker, no doubt about that,” Dlamini told FARPost.
“People have seen what he’s capable of [scoring goals]. He did well in the DDC, then he was sent out on loan [Cape Town Spurs]. He did well there, he was just unfortunate with that injury. I think the club did well in the manner sending him on loan, but the injury disturbed his progress.
“Now he’s back, I’m happy, I think the club should monitor him, in terms of the workload. If he stays injury-free and gets some game time he will start delivering.”
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