Abdeslam Ouaddou: Boitumelo Radiopane is showing great signs to be a top striker again for Orlando Pirates like he did when the season started

Abdeslam Ouaddou is preaching protection on rising striker Boitumelo Radiopane.

The Orlando Pirates coach said this youngster was side-lined by injury amidst comparisons to fellow youngsters in departed Mohau Nkota and Relebohile Mofokeng.

Ouaddou said Radiopane has shown glimpses of greatness as the season began but injury hampered that continuation.

Against the Carling All Stars on Saturday, Radiopane scored a great solo goal by shielding off a defender and powering his way into the box to score the second goal for Pirates in their 2-0 win.

Ouaddou said there was a lot expected from the player but that he must be protected from undue pressure.

“Radio is one young player among many others that have been doing well,” he told journalists.

“He had fantastic preparations [pre-season] in Spain. You would remember we started him at the beginning of the season.

“Afterwards, he had some injury problems. We had to protect him. We gave a chance to another striker who’s scoring. It’s difficult to change,” he added.

“I have said that we are putting strikers regarding the profile of the opponents we are going to play. I have said that in the game model, from my striker, I need more than a goal.