A former Orlando Pirates player speaks about Boitumelo Radiopane with great admiration | OneFootball

A former Orlando Pirates player speaks about Boitumelo Radiopane with great admiration

When the team sheets were announced at the start of the 2025/26 PSL season, a ripple of surprise—and debate—spread through South African football. The name chosen to lead the Orlando Pirates' front line was not that of a seasoned campaigner like Evidence Makgopa or Tshegofatso Mabasa, but the younger, less-proven Boitumelo Radiopane. It was a bold gamble by coach Ouaddou, one that immediately placed a heavy spotlight on the 23-year-old's shoulders.

In his first four outings, the tangible returns were slim—a single assist to his name—a output that did little to quiet the external chatter. Yet, from the perspective of a former Buccaneer, Lehlohonolo Majoro, the public's focus might be misplaced. Looking beyond the nascent statistics, Majoro sees a unique and explosive talent.

"I like Radiopane; he's a youngster, he's explosive," Majoro shared with FARPost, highlighting the striker's relentless work ethic—his pressing after losing possession and his intelligent, off-the-ball runs that benefit the collective unit.

Majoro, understanding the immense pressure that builds with every goalless match, also offered a crucial defence of the coach's controversial decision.

He posited that the true reasoning lies hidden from public view, in the daily grind of training sessions. "We don't know the coach’s philosophy and plan," he reminded critics, suggesting that Ouaddou's choice, scrutinized on weekends, is informed by a week's worth of evidence that fans never see. In Majoro's view, the faith placed in Radiopane is likely not a mere roll of the dice, but a calculated belief in a burgeoning talent's specific traits.