Ouaddou Hails Radiopane After Goal And Assist Pirates Win

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou believes Boitumelo Radiopane has all the attributes to become a top striker after impressing against Sekhukhune United on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old forward produced a standout performance at Orlando Amstel Arena, contributing directly to both of Pirates’ goals as they secured another important Betway Premiership victory.

Radiopane opened the scoring in the first half before turning provider after the break, assisting Oswin Appollis for the second goal on the birthday boy’s special night.

It was a particularly significant performance for Radiopane, as he was making his first start for the Buccaneers after previously being used mainly as a substitute. Yanela Mbuthuma had regularly been given the starting role ahead of him, but Ouaddou handed Radiopane his opportunity against Babina Noko.

The Moroccan mentor revealed that he had already informed Radiopane the previous day that he would be starting, challenging him to take advantage of his opportunity.

“I told him from yesterday that he’s going to start,” Ouaddou said on SuperSport TV after the match.

“So I told him that there are some games where you have to take your chance. For me, he took his chance, so it’s good.

“It’s good to have one more striker who can score. It’s very positive for his confidence. I think this boy has everything to be successful.

“He has the profile of a true striker. So I’m very happy for him to score today. Let’s hope that he’s going to keep going, to keep this spirit, and maybe to score more goals.”

The Pirates coach was also pleased with how his side dealt with the unusual challenge of facing Sekhukhune for the second time in just three days, having beaten them in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final on Saturday.

“It’s never easy to play the same team twice in a row,” he added.

“We had a very difficult first half, as they pressed us aggressively and didn’t allow us to find the free man or play the way we wanted.

“Even in our worst moment, we managed to score, which was positive. We made some adjustments at half-time, and the second half was slightly better.

“The three points, fighting spirit and another clean sheet are the most important things, but there is still a lot to improve, especially in midfield, where we lacked control.

“With new players and changes to the team, it’s understandable, but controlling the middle is key to playing good football.”

Pirates will now shift their attention back to the MTN8, with Sekhukhune awaiting them again on Saturday for the second leg. Radiopane will be hoping to continue his fine form and build on a performance that could strengthen his case for more starts in the future.