Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has offered some insight into why it has taken time for striker Boitumelo Radiopane to regain a regular place in the team, as he did at the start of the season.
Radiopane came off the bench to score the second goal for the Buccaneers during the 2-0 win against the Carling All Stars side in the Carling Cup at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
The 23-year-old had featured four times in all competitions before he suffered an injury setback. He scored with 10 minutes remaining of the exhibition match.
Sifiso Luthuli scored the other goal for Pirates, who became the first Carling Knockout champions to win the competition since its inception in 2023.
After the match, Ouaddou shared some insight into what he requires from his strikers and gave an account of Radiopane’s progress.
WHY HAS IT BEEN DIFFICULT FOR BOITUMELO RADIOPANE TO RECLAIM A POSITION UPFRONT?
“Radio is one young player among many others that have been doing well,” he told journalists.
“He had fantastic preparations [pre-season] in Spain. You would remember we started him at the beginning of the season.
“Afterwards, he had some injury problems. We had to protect him. We gave a chance to another striker who’s scoring. It’s difficult to change,” he added.
WHAT THE ORLANDO PIRATES COACH REQUIRES FROM ALL HIS STRIKERS
“I have said that we are putting strikers regarding the profile of the opponents we are going to play. I have said that in the game model, from my striker, I need more than a goal.
“Of course, a goal is more than important, but in the competencies of the striker, I am looking for more. Scoring, but I need you to be very efficient without the ball as well. It means when we don’t have the ball, you need to work as well.”
RELATED STORY: Luthuli and Radiopane score as Pirates defeat All Stars