Orlando Pirates: Boitumelo Radiopane must be given his chance

A changing cast of attackers owing to form and fitness difficulties means that few in the first squad can claim to be anything close to settled, and none of the chosen frontmen have caught fire this season.

Gabadinho Mhango and Tshegofatso Mabasa have both struggled with fitness, while Zakele Lepasa has been a long-term absentee.

Terrence Dzvukamanja, who was perhaps the Sea Robbers’ finest attacker in 2021, has been preferred in a wide role for the Orlando Pirates this season, as has Deon Hotto.

There has, of late, been a lot of support for Ghanaian striker Kwame Peprah after a string of encouraging performances for Orlando Pirates in the league.

Peprah has shown the energy that one would frankly expect from a 21-year-old striker but he also has not been lethal in front of goal.

Orlando Pirates have occasionally fielded a conventional strike pairing which could open the door for Radiopane to play a much bigger role in the first team.

At this time, the 19-year-old would benefit from being paired with an experienced striker like Mhango, allowing him to learn and giving him the freedom to make an impact.

Orlando Pirates tend, however, to prefer the use of a 4-3-3 and it seems unlikely that Fadlu Davids and Mandla Ncikazi would entrust the central striking role to Radiopane.

Radiopane made four brief substitute appearances for Pirates in the league earlier this season without making much of a splash but has since gone on to enjoy a fruitful season in the MDC.

The question remains, is Radiopane ready to do it on the big stage?