Radiopane absence from Orlando Pirates squad linked to careful workload management

Boitumelo Radiopane was left out of the Orlando Pirates squad for their CAF Champions League meeting with African Stars as head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou looks to manage the striker’s workload.

Pirates began their second preliminary round tie against the Namibian side with a 1-0 victory at the Botswana National Stadium. The result gives the Buccaneers a narrow advantage ahead of Friday’s second leg at Orlando Amstel Arena.

Radiopane’s omission was notable because the 24-year-old had started just days earlier in Pirates’ 3-0 Betway Premiership win over TS Galaxy. He marked that opportunity with a goal as the Soweto club made a positive start to its campaign.

Sources indicate that Ouaddou is taking a cautious approach with Radiopane while the technical team attempts to maximise the striker’s contribution during a demanding period of domestic and continental football.

The player appeared to suffer a minor knock before being substituted in the second half against TS Galaxy. Radiopane had nonetheless shown his ability to influence the game in the final third before leaving the field.

There has been no official confirmation that the striker was rested for the same precautionary reasons previously applied to midfielder Thalente Mbatha. However, the management of Radiopane’s involvement appears to follow a similar approach.

Pirates continue to monitor key players

Mbatha played in the MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns before being excluded from the squad for the following league match against TS Galaxy.

Ouaddou later said the decision had been precautionary, explaining that Pirates did not want to take unnecessary risks with an important member of the squad.

The Bafana Bafana midfielder returned to the team for the match against African Stars as the club continued to oversee his comeback after an injury layoff.

Pirates will now assess whether Radiopane is ready to return for the second leg. The striker’s availability could be significant as Ouaddou’s side attempts to finish the tie positively and secure a place in the CAF Champions League group stages.