A former Pirates coach has questioned the loan of Boitumelo Radiopane to the Mostepe Foundation Championship.
Radiopane was the stand-out performer for Orlando Pirates' DStv Diski Challenge side last season. The 19-year-old scored 24 goals throughout the campaign – a new record for the league and his efforts were rewarded with both the Dstv Diski Player of the Season and Leading Goal Scorer awards.
The teenager is set to spend the 2022/23 season in the Motsepe Foundation Championship on loan with Cape Town Spurs.
However, former Pirates' head of development Augusto Palacios says he'd preferred the young star to lead the Buccaneers' first team this season.
"Clubs need to start trusting their young players. A player like that [Radiopane] should be playing in the first team at the top level for me. Especially a player that's come through the club's structures. But ultimately it's my personal opinion and anyone that owns a club has the right to run it in the way that works."
Radiopane's agent, Mike Makaab has indicated that the young striker remains rated highly by the Pirates hierarchy and the loan is aimed at giving him more playing time.
Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates have strengthened their attacking line with the signing of Bienvenu Eva Nga from Chippa United. The Cameroon international scored 10 goals in the league last season, a return only topped by Victor Letsoalo (15) and Peter Shalulile (23).
Additionally, Evidence Makgopa has returned from a season-long loan at Baroka while Zakhele Lepasa and Kwame Peprah will also be raising their hands for the striker's role at Mayfair.