Orlando Pirates reserves coach Joseph Makhanya has admitted it will be difficult to replace last season’s DStv Diski Challenge top goal scorer Boitumelo Radiopane.
Radiopane scored 25 goals last season to win the Diski Challenge golden boot and was also crowned the player of the season.
The youngster was then loaned out to Cape Town Spurs in the Motsepe Foundation Championship for growth.
In the new Diski Challenge that started a fourth night ago, Pirates have already played a match without scoring a goal.
Last weekend they were held to a goalless draw by league reigning champions Stellenbosch FC at Rand Stadium.
Despite them having the services of Relebohile Ratomo, a youngster that promises to be their next goal poacher, Makhanya insist it will take them time to replace Radiopane.
Ratomo scored a brace on the opening weekend when Pirates defeated Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs at King Zwelithini Stadium.
Makhanya analysed: “We need to have players that can score goals. Everyone must contribute because last season the club set the bar high, producing a top goalscorer who scored 25 goals.
“Obviously we are trying to get everybody in the mode. Last season we had Radio [Radiopane] so now we are still trying to replace him, it will be difficult, but we have boys that have shown enthusiasm. We will see as the season goes on”
“Last weekend we could not score, the player who scored a brace in the first match [Ratomo] was not part of the team and neither was Mohau Nkota. But that is no excuse.”
Pirates will be up against another Cape Town side this weekend when they face Cape Town City FC at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.
Kick-off is at 12pm CAT (SA, GMT+2).
With City having won both opening games, Makhanya says they are the underdogs heading into this match.
“I think they [City] have an upper hand but we have prepared well. The match will be settled in 90 minutes I’m hopeful we will get goals.”
City are currently leading the log with six points from two games while Pirates are just behind them in the second place with four points.