Radiopane, a 22-year-old striker and a graduate of the Pirates youth development program, is expected to return to the club from Cape Town Spurs, where he had spent two seasons.
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Soccer Laduma had previously reported how Bucs were open to keeping Radiopane, despite the challenges he had faced in the past.
Siya sources to the club have now indicated that Radiopane's future will be assessed after the team's preseason activities in Europe, which are scheduled to start in early July.
"Last season they wanted him to come back but he was injured and so Spurs wanted to keep him. Now that he is fit and willing to go, the club wants to give him a chance. But they want to look at all the players during preseason before naming the final squad for next season," said the Siya source.
"Boitumelo (Radiopane) is one of the players whose future will be decided after the European tour. Yes, he is expected to go with the team to Europe so that they can look at him and the other players as well. Then after that they will decide," the source added.
A second Siya source stated that Bucs wants to give the youngster a chance as they did with teenager Relebohile Mofokeng.
"He has a great future. He is a very good striker. I think the injury last season while at Spurs disturbed his development but now that he is fit again, the club wants to give him the chance like they have done with Rele (Mofokeng). So the preseason training and camp is the right place to do that before the club makes their final decision on the player," the second source observed.
Radiopane, known affectionately as 'Radioman', played only nine PSL games for Spurs this season due to an injury that kept him out for nearly half the season. He had returned to action in February. When questioned, his agent Mike Makaab, confirmed that the striker's future would indeed be decided after the preseason training camp.
"Yes, that's correct," Makaab confirmed.
In addition to Radiopane, Pirates are also considering Eastmond, a former Burnley FC striker, as a potential addition to their squad. Eastmond, 20, has reportedly impressed the Pirates technical team during previous training sessions.
"He impressed during the time he trained with the team. Everyone at the team was happy with him and now they have apparently invited him for their European tour. This actually means it's not yet a done deal but the deal is imminent. It's as good as done. Things are in the pipeline," a third Siya source stated.
Insiders have further indicated that Eastmond could replace strikers who have been released, such as Kermit Erasmus.
"They are looking at him as one for the future. The club is building a club not just for now but for the future and that's why they are looking at bringing in more youngsters who they are mixing with experienced players so that the team is well-balanced. So, as for Tremaine, he is expected to replace some strikers who have left. So, let's wait when they come back from Europe," the fourth source told Soccer Laduma.
The club's strategy appears to be focused on blending youth with experience to create a well-balanced team that can compete both now and in the future.
"The club is building not just for the current season but for the future, and that's why they are keen on bringing in more young talents like Eastmond, who can grow within the team's structure," the source added.
As Pirates prepare for their preseason tour in Europe, the performances of Radiopane and Eastmond will be under close scrutiny. The club's decision to evaluate these players in a competitive setting underscores their commitment to nurturing young talent and ensuring that any additions to the squad align with their long-term strategic goals.
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