Radiopane’s unselfish touch helps Orlando Pirates strengthen title challenge

Bafana Bafana legend Teko Modise has praised Orlando Pirates striker Boitumelo Radiopane for the maturity and awareness that helped the Buccaneers beat Sekhukhune United 2-0 in the Betway Premiership.

Radiopane opened the scoring and then supplied the assist for Oswin Appollis as Orlando Pirates secured three points at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday, 25 August 2026. The result kept the Buccaneers at the top of the table on 10 points, ahead of second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns on goal difference.

The 24-year-old, known as “Radio Man”, broke the deadlock in the 36th minute with a composed finish. He doubled his contribution just after the hour mark when he took advantage of a defensive mistake before calmly squaring the ball for Appollis to score into an unguarded net.

Modise, a two-time league winner, said Radiopane’s decision to look for a team-mate rather than pursue a second goal demonstrated the collective spirit required to win trophies.

“Look, what I can tell is that championships are in the camaraderie, and it starts like this, in official matches like this,” Modise said on SuperSport TV.

“Yeah, as a striker, you’re chasing individual accolades; at the end of the day, you want to be the top striker, you want to be the chosen one, you haven’t been given enough of an opportunity.

“In the position he was in, he could have been selfish and tried to score there; it could have been a great goal if he scored because he had broken the line so well.

“But yes, again, that glance, which most of the strikers in the PSL don’t do, that glance, he sees that there is a teammate on the left-hand side. But also, credit to Appollis because there is still a lot of work that needs to be done,” he added.

Radiopane’s performance represents an important step forward after a difficult 2025/26 season. His progress was disrupted by persistent injuries, while he also found it difficult to establish himself as a regular starter.

His first start of the current campaign against Babina Noko produced a goal and an assist, offering a strong response to head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s need for a dependable centre-forward to lead the attack.

For Modise, the striker’s contribution was significant not only because of the numbers attached to it, but also because of the decision-making behind the second goal. Radiopane had created the opportunity to attempt a difficult finish himself after breaking through the defensive line, yet chose to recognise Appollis’ position and provide the simpler chance.

That combination of individual ambition and collective responsibility has helped Orlando Pirates maintain their early advantage at the summit. With Mamelodi Sundowns level on points but behind on goal difference, the Buccaneers’ home victory could prove valuable as the title race develops.