Boitumelo Radiopane managed to get on the score-sheet for Orlando Pirates, but coach Jose Riveiro has explained the striker has not got regular minutes this season.
The Buccaneers put in a rampant display to thrash Marumo Gallants 8-1 in their final home game of 2024 on Tuesday afternoon.
Read: RUTHLESS: Pirates Score Eight On Christmas Eve
Radiopane made his fourth appearance of the campaign by replacing hat-trick hero Tshegofatso Mabasa in the 72nd, before he went on to grab his first goal of the season from the penalty spot.
The Spanish tactician has no complaints about Radiopane's training levels, but admits he facing competition from Evidence Makgopa and Mabasa.
"Radio is training in a super fantastic way trust me but understanding that he's fighting for the position with Bafana Bafana striker and with a top scorer just a few months ago, it's not easy to get minutes in that position in our team," Riveiro told SuperSport after the game.
"But not because he's not working for it and not because he doesn't have the quality but he has all the talent to make it possible, like he showed today, he's ready, training so well, you can see everyone is happy for him scoring because he's working hard that boy."
Riveiro also had a closing year message for the Buccaneers supporters.
"I think 2024 (has been) excellent year for the club, for all us, for me as a coach and the group of players and I think for the supporters, to believe again," the Spanish coach said.
"Most of the times we enjoyed football games, today we want to say thank you because it's not an easy day to come to the stadium, because of the weather conditions, tomorrow is Christmas, so thank you much to all these people one more time," Riveiro added.
