Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa has shed light on the club’s heartwarming support for teammate Boitumelo Radiopane, revealing a generous gesture to boost the young forward’s spirits.
The 23-year-old forward scored his first goal in the senior team of Pirates when they thrashed Marumo Gallants 8-1 in the Betway Premiership on Christmas Eve.
Pirates defeated Gallants at Orlando Stadium to take their point-tally to 24 points after nine matches played so far in the league. They are three points away from Mamelodi Sundowns, who are on 27 points after 10 matches.
The Buccaneers found the back of the net through an own goal by Kenneth Nthatheni, Deano Van Rooyen, Boitumelo Radiopane, a brace from Thalente Mbatha and a hat-trick from Tshegofatso Mabasa.
Following Radiopane’s first goal in the Pirates’ first team from the penalty spot, his teammate Mabasa has admitted that Radiopane has been working hard at training.
PIRATES BENCH ASKED FOR BOITUMELO RADIOPANE TO TAKE THE PENALTY
Tshegofatso Mabasa says all Pirates players asked that the club’s academy graduate take the penalty against Gallants to boost his confidence.
“I’m really happy for Radiopane. I think he’s been working hard in training. Finally, he got his opportunity, and he took it. I mean, you could see this with the sense of brotherhood within the team and the amount of support we give one another,” Mabasa said.
“When the team got the penalty, everyone on the bench got up and told the players on the pitch that they should give it to him. It just shows you the amount work that he’s been putting in at training, all credit must go to him, I would say this chance is long overdue.
“It’s just unfortunate that he finds himself in a situation where he’s competing with the top goal scorer from last season and the Bafana Bafana international in Evidence [Makgopa], but we continue to push each other at training.”
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