Monyane and Radiopane making Bucs juniors tick, while first team struggles

While Orlando Pirates senior team is still struggling to consistently get positive results, the club’s reserve side is topping the standings of the DStv Diski Challenge.

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The Bucs juniors are enjoying a good run in this campaign, with the side having recorded seven wins and two losses in their last nine games. They are at the summit of the log with 21 points, but they are level with second placed Stellenbosch FC, with the sides separated by goal-difference.

Pirates’ positive start in the DDC is also because of the consistent performances by 21-years old skipper Thabiso Monyane and 19-years old striker Boitumelo Radiopane. The pair have been scoring goals weekly for the side and more recently, Radiopane scored a brace and Monyane got one goal as the team edged Sekhukhune United 3-0 at Tsakane Stadium last weekend.

Both Monyane and Radiopane are part of the first team, but the pair are finding it difficult to break into the team, leaving them to do duties for coach Mandla Qhogi’s side.

Qhogi’s young Bucs have benefited a lot from having both Monyane and Radiopane in their squad, and he says the pair’s experience is crucial for his team.

“The boys bring a lot of different experience and motivation into the team. Plus they play a crucial role in guiding the new players to have self believe as they also started in the development structures of the club,” said Qhogi.

Bucs’ reserves will be looking to continue with their good form when they host KwaZulu-Natal based side Royal AM at the Johannesburg Stadium on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the senior team has accumulated only 14 points from their last 10 DStv Premiership games, with the side occupying position seven on the league table.

In those 10 games, they only registered three wins, while recording five draws and two losses. Before the international break, they lost the Soweto derby 2-1 to Kaizer Chiefs and they will be hoping to bounce back stronger this coming weekend when they travel to Kzn for a meeting with Golden Arrows at the Princess Magogo Stadium.