Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has backed loaned-out striker Boitumelo Radiopane to return to the Buccaneers in sharper condition.
The 21-year-old was sensational for Pirates' reserve team last season, netting 24 goals – a new record for the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC). His efforts earned him both the Golden Boot and the DDC Player of the Season awards.
Radioman was then sent out on loan to Cape Town Spurs in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, a side coached by another prolific striker during his prime, former Bafana Bafana forward Shaun Bartlett.
After a tough start to life in Cape Town due to injury, Radiopane got his first goal of the season when he struck the only goal of the game as Spurs beat University of Pretoria.
"Boitumelo is a Pirates player," Riveiro said.
"I think he's doing a good job after a long period injured. I don't know the coach [Bartlett] but I know very well that he is a coach who can help him in his development there.
"I'm pretty sure that he [Radiopane] can manage to achieve the standard you need to play for Pirates."
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With just 10 goals scored in 15 league matches, the Buccaneers have struggled in front of goals. Zakhele Lepasa was the last striker to find the back of the net for Buccaneers during a clash against Golden Arrows in October last year.
The Buccaneers have also roped in Ndumiso Mabena and striker-training specialist Scott Chickleday to improve the side's goal scoring woes.
Pirates will host Golden Arrows at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Saturday.
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