Radiopane has perfect timing to make his mark at Orlando Pirates, says Mabalane

Former Orlando Pirates winger Dikgang Mabalane believes Boitumelo Radiopane is at the ideal stage of his career to establish himself as an important player for the Soweto club.

The 24-year-old striker scored his second goal of the campaign in Pirates’ 4-0 victory over Kruger United in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday evening. That total is already one more than he managed throughout last season, when he failed to score in five appearances.

Radiopane’s progress has been interrupted by injuries and inconsistent form, but Orlando Pirates have continued to support him. Mabalane, who was known as ‘Terminator’ during his playing career, feels the forward now has an opportunity to repay the club’s faith.

“At 24, it’s the ideal age to be making a mark in a big club. He’s at the perfect age for a striker at a club like Pirates – not too young and not too old. The timing is perfect for him. He’s got the experience of being loaned out previously and I think it will do him good. It’s a platform for him. He’s been given an opportunity and it’s up to him if he grabs it with both hands. He’s got an instinct for goals. He is strong and I think he has got qualities of a striker. He needs to score one, two, three, four goals and then the confidence kicks in,” Mabalane said to Soccer Laduma.

Radiopane has previously spent time away from Orlando Pirates on loan, experience Mabalane believes can help him make better use of his current chance at the club.

The former winger also pointed to the quality of the players around Radiopane, as well as the number of competitions in which Pirates are involved, as factors that could help the striker find his rhythm.

“Fortunately for him, he is at a club where he has good players around him. It’s always good for a striker to be in a team that scores goals and is competing in major competitions. Again, it’s going to be up to him. His presence must be felt inside the box. He’s got good touches and he is finisher more than anything.”

Mabalane believes Radiopane’s main task is to become a consistent threat in the penalty area. He says the striker possesses the physical strength, finishing ability and goalscoring instinct required to succeed, but must turn those qualities into a regular run of goals.

The forward’s encouraging start comes at an important time for Orlando Pirates. The club are preparing for the MTN8 final and will also enter the CAF Champions League qualifying rounds, giving Radiopane the opportunity to contribute on several fronts.

Having scored twice already this season, he has made a better start than in the previous campaign. Mabalane’s view is that a short sequence of goals could provide the confidence needed for Radiopane to become a more prominent figure in the Pirates attack.