Boitumelo Radiopane explains Orlando Pirates absence

The 23-year-old looked set to lead the line under newly appointed coach Abdeslam Ouaddou at the start of the campaign but has since slipped down the pecking order and lost his place entirely.

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Speaking on Metro FM’s Sports Night Amplified, Radiopane insisted he’s confident of forcing his way back into Ouaddou’s plans.

"Our coach always says that we don't have substitutes, we have impact players. So for me during the start of the season and now - it always has been injuries, that's been a setback. But I am still here, building myself and trying to push - to prove that I can still do it," said Radiopane.

Radiopane added that the initial decision by Ouaddou to select him ahead of other strikers was reward for the work he’d put in at training.

"To answer your question, not everyone sees the work we put in at training. Yes people were surprised but we know what happens at training. Like I said we support each other as players - the last time I came with Makgopa, he's my friend - every time when we play we support each other. But then again I was faced with a hamstring injury after my third game, that's why it took long for me to return - I was still recovering," added Radiopane.

The former junior international admits that it’s up to him now to convince Ouaddou, a coach he says is extremely “demanding”.

"He is demanding, a very good coach and likes players who work hard. It is never easy sometimes you know, some days you wake up and not feeling like yourself, he is a coach who will come to you and help to build you up, revive your confidence to get the best out of you," he expressed.