Ouaddou hails Radiopane impact as Orlando Pirates extend unbeaten start

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou praised Boitumelo Radiopane after the striker scored and created another goal in Tuesday’s 2-0 victory over Sekhukhune United.

The win strengthened Orlando Pirates’ position at the top of the table, with the Buccaneers opening a three-point lead while remaining unbeaten in all competitions. Their strong start has come despite significant changes to the squad following the departure of several key players.

The match was the second meeting between the sides in the space of a few days, following the MTN8 semi-final first leg in Polokwane at the weekend. Ouaddou said facing the same opposition twice in quick succession had created an additional challenge for his team.

“Yes, it’s not easy to play a team two times in a row, we had a very difficult first half, I think the opponent came to press us, very tight, aggressive, we didn’t manage to find the free space, free man to come out with the ball to play the game that we want,” Ouaddou told SuperSport TV.

Sekhukhune United’s pressing restricted Orlando Pirates during the opening period, but the visitors still found a way to take the lead. Ouaddou acknowledged that his side had not produced its best football, while also highlighting its ability to remain effective under pressure.

“I think they were spot-on that side, but at least what’s positive it is in the worst moment even we are not so beautiful, we have to say it, we managed to score and we tried to show some clips at halftime just to make some adjustments without making substitutions and it was slightly, slightly better in the second half but I want to keep this three points.

“This is the most important, the fighting spirit, the clean-sheet again, but of course there’s a lot of improvement in our game but it’s not easy as well. We have new players, we changed the team, we felt that we didn’t have the control in the middle.

“It’s the heart of the game. If you don’t have the control in the middle, it’s difficult to have a beautiful game,” he continued.

Radiopane was selected to lead the attack ahead of Yanela Mbuthuma and made the opportunity count. He broke the deadlock midway through the first half before contributing the assist for Orlando Pirates’ second goal.

Ouaddou said he had informed Radiopane the previous day that he would start, stressing the importance of taking opportunities when they arise.

“I told him, I told him that from yesterday that he’s going to start. I told him that there are some games you have to take your chance, for me he took his chance, it’s good to have one more striker that’s able to score, it’s very positive for his confidence.

“I think this boy has everything to be successful, he has the profile to be the true striker so I’m very happy for him to score today, let’s hope that he is going to keep going, to keep this spirit and maybe to score more goals,” Ouaddou said.

The result leaves Orlando Pirates unbeaten across all competitions and maintains their three-point advantage at the summit. While Ouaddou admitted there is still room for improvement, he was particularly pleased with the team’s determination and another clean sheet.