06-06-2025
I witnessed Radiopane's brilliance before the world knew his name: Former Chiefs star
I witnessed Radiopane's brilliance before the world knew his name: Former Chiefs star
SEBOKENG.- When Orlando Pirates' deadly striker Boitumelo Radiopane featured at the Abia Nale Sports Foundation Tournament, little did he know that one day he would be playing in South African top-flight football.
It was at the U13 four-team soccer tournament, organised by the former Kaizer Chiefs dreadlocked forward Abia Nale, with Radiopane playing for Celta Vigo Development FC.
The tournament took place at Saul Tsotetsi Sports Complex in Zone 14, and Radiopane became the tournament's top goal scorer.
Pirates spotted Radiopane at their annual soccer tournament known as the Pirates Cup.
He was playing in the colours of the School of Excellence after joining them from his amateur team, Celta Vigo FC. This is the club that discovered his talent at a very young age from the dusty streets of Zone 3. Radiopane's rise to stardom was when he was promoted to Orlando Pirates' Reserve Team that campaigned in the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC).
This is where he caught the attention of many, especially the Pirates senior technical team. Radiopane is now a big part of Pirates' senior team's plan for the coming season. He is expected to be the club's top marksman in the new season, playing alongside his homeboy, Relebohile Mofokeng.
Both come from the Vaal, Sharpeville and Sebokeng respectively.
When reflecting, Nale said no one saw that this little boy, 'wet behind the ears', would one day play for one of the biggest clubs on the continent.
According to Nale, he witnessed Radiopane's talent when he was 13 years old.
'I still remember when I handed him a top goal scorer award, he was my height. I still have his picture, and it makes me proud that I witnessed his talent before the world saw it. The other player who featured in this tournament was Lebohang Lesako, who also played for Kaizer Chiefs. I'm very grateful to have contributed to their talent by providing the platform to showcase their talent,' said Nale.
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