Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa has explained why the team opted to let Boitumelo Radiopane take the late penalty in their 8-1 thrashing of Marumo Gallants.
Radiopane, 22, came on in the 72nd for Mabasa, who had scored a hat-trick, and converted a late spot-kick to complete the rout over Bahlabane Ba Ntwa.
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It was the Pirates’ starlets first goal for the Buccaneers since being promoted from the DStv Diski Challenge, and meant a lot to him, as his emotional reaction after the final whistle showed.
Mabasa admitted after the game that Radioman deserved to take the penalty after working hard in training despite tough competition.
“I’m really happy for Radiopane today,” he said.
“He’s been working hard in training and finally he got his opportunity and he took it.
“You could see with the sense of brotherhood we have in the team, the amount of support that we give one another.
“When the team got the penalty, everyone on the bench got up and told the players on the pitch that they should give it to him.
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“It just shows the amount of work that he’s also been putting in in training, and all credit muss go to him and his chance was long overdue.
“It’s just an unfortunate situation that he finds himself in, he has to compete the with the top goalscorer from last season and a Bafana Bafana international in Evidence.
“But we continue to push each other in training and only the team can benefit from those performances.”
