Orlando Pirates striker Boitumelo Radiopane is making a strong case to become Abdeslam Ouaddou’s first-choice forward ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The 24-year-old has enjoyed an impressive pre-season, scoring twice during the Buccaneers’ tour of Spain. He opened his account in the 2-1 victory over Cadiz before netting the winner in Wednesday’s 1-0 triumph against Las Palmas.
Radiopane has been on Pirates‘ books for four years but has yet to cement a regular place in the senior team.
Despite his immense potential, he has spent time out on loan and has struggled to reproduce the goalscoring form that made him one of South Africa’s brightest young talents.
The striker still holds the record for the most goals scored in a single DStv Diski Challenge season after finding the net 25 times for Pirates in the 2021/22 campaign.
Those exploits earned him plenty of recognition, but breaking into the first team has proved far more difficult.
Now, however, Radiopane appears to be rediscovering the confidence and finishing ability that made him such a prolific youth striker. At 24, this could be a defining season in his Orlando Pirates career as he looks to establish himself as a regular in Ouaddou’s matchday squad.
With Yanela Mbuthuma and Evidence Makgopa yet to hit top form during pre-season, Radiopane has a genuine opportunity to move ahead of them in the pecking order.
If he can carry his pre-season momentum into the opening weeks of the Betway Premiership campaign, he could make the No. 9 position his own.
The Buccaneers are still expected to strengthen their attacking options before the transfer window closes in September, meaning competition for places will only intensify. That makes Radiopane’s recent performances even more significant.
Radiopane can lead the Orlando Pirates attack
A strong start to the season could not only secure him a regular starting role but also provide the platform to finally fulfil the immense potential he has shown since his days in the club’s academy.
Orlando Pirates start their season against Milford FC next weekend.
