Palacios points out Orlando Pirates’ mistake on Radiopane

Former Orlando Pirates coach Augusto Palacios has pointed out where the Buccaneers erred with youth prospect Boitumelo Radiopane.

The Peruvian mentor previously oversaw the progress of the likes of Gift Leremi, Benedict Vilakazi, Lebohang Mokoena and Phumudzo Manenzhe.

The quartet went on to shine for the DStv Premiership giants and other teams they played for throughout their careers.

Palacios has since noticed a change in how the club is now handling players from the academy.

PALACIOS ON HOW ORLANDO PIRATES USED TO HANDLE YOUNGSTERS

“Every player who goes to the PSL needs to have a chance to play for his club. This is my belief I don’t want to contradict anyone, this is what I believe,” Palacios told FARPost.

“Remember Gift Leremi, Lebohang Mokoena, Benedict Vilakazi and Phumudzo Manenzhe they never had experience, but we didn’t loan them.

“Excellent Walaza was given an opportunity to the senior team. So what’s the difference? There’s no difference.”

PALACIOS ON PIRATES’ DECISION TO LOAN BOITUMELO RADIOPANE

Palacios believes loaning out starlet Boitumelo Radiopane to Motsepe Foundation Championship outfit Cape Town Spurs at the beginning of the season was a mistake. He deserved an opportunity to play in the senior team and gain experience.

Radiopane was impressive last season for the Soweto giants in the DStv Diski Challenge. The striker scored 25 goals to scoop the top scorer award.

For his amazing consistent performances throughout the season, he was also crowned the player of the season.

To add, he was handed his senior debut last season and made four appearances, all coming from the bench. The Bucs later on offered Radiopane his first professional contract.

“He [Boitumelo Radiopane] came from a development team. Why do you have to loan him to get better experience? Why doesn’t he get better experience from the club?

So far in Spurs colours, Radiopane has played eight league matches and scored three goals.

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