Ex-Orlando Pirates striker Lehlohonolo Majoro has weighed in on the striking options at the Soweto giants, explaining why the tactical rotation between Yanela Mbuthuma and Boitumelo Radiopane is delivering positive results for the Buccaneers.
Mbuthuma has featured in seven matches across all competitions for the Sea Robbers in the current campaign. However, going without a goal or an assist in his opening five appearances saw the forward face mounting pressure from the club’s faithful.
The former Richards Bay FC frontman silenced his critics with a standout performance on Saturday, 29 August, in the MTN8 semi-final second-leg clash against Sekhukhune United FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena. Mbuthuma turned provider twice in the first half, setting up Thapelo Mokobodi and Gamphani Lungu as Pirates beat Babina Noko 3-0.
He built on that momentum on Tuesday, 1 September, coming off the bench in the 62nd minute for Radiopane to score a second-half brace in Pirates’ 4-0 victory over Betway Premiership newcomers Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium.
Meanwhile, Radiopane has made six appearances across all competitions this season. The 24-year-old forward has bagged two goals and one assist, also finding the back of the net in the convincing win against Kruger in Mpumalanga.
‘IT SHOWS FLEXIBILITY PIRATES HAS’: LEHLOHONOLO MAJORO
Speaking to FARPost, Majoro highlighted that the chemistry between the two attackers gives head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou valuable squad depth and a welcome selection headache.
“You know, with the coach [Abdeslam Ouaddou] deciding to start Mbuthuma on the bench sometimes and giving Radiopane an opportunity to play, it shows the flexibility that Orlando Pirates have. The same applies to Mamelodi Sundowns in terms of rotating their players,” Majoro told FARPost in an exclusive interview.
“So, when Radiopane gets a chance to play, he also scores and provides an assist. That boosts the striking force of Orlando Pirates and improves healthy competition.
“This also gives the coach an opportunity to have options when it comes to matches because he knows he has strikers who are more fired up.”
With both forwards proving their worth in recent outings, Ouaddou will be pleased with the attacking firepower at his disposal as Pirates continue their 2026/27 campaign.
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