With Orlando Pirates expected to make key decisions about the make-up of their squad for next season, there are no plans to send Relebohile Ratomo on loan, the Siya crew has learnt. In recent years, the Soweto giants have produced some of the most promising players from their development, who ended up being loaned to other clubs to gain experience.
This past season, the club had the likes of Boitumelo Radiopane on loan at Cape Town Spurs, while Thabiso Sesane has been at All Stars FC, among others. Both players graduated from Bucs' development with flying colours but were sent to the Motsepe Foundation Championship outfits to prepare them for the first team. Over the years, the likes of Sandile Mthethwa, Azola Tshobeni, Simiso and twin brother Simo Bophela are some of the players who have gone the similar route.
With Ratomo being the latest young star to have emerged from the club's junior ranks, although via the School of Excellence, insiders have revealed that he is unlikely to follow in the similar path. The 18-year-old has grabbed his opportunity with both hands when given to him by Jose Riveiro and is quickly becoming a fan-favourite.
Having made his debut earlier this month against Royal AM, the young winger impressed with his performance, much to the delight of the technical team and the supporters. It was the player's shot that deflected off Elias Pelembe and ended up in the back of the net in a 1-1 draw. In his second start in the last league game of the season against AmaZulu FC on the weekend, Ratomo was again one of the top performers and was duly rewarded for his efforts with a goal and an assist in the 4-0 victory at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Unlike with the club's previous coaches who might have been sceptical about giving fringe players opportunities, Riveiro has proved to be different as the likes of Monnapule Saleng, Sandile Mthethwa and Sipho Chaine are shining under him after being given a chance, with the Spaniard believed to be having big plans for Ratomo. More so because squad depth will be key for next season as Bucs will also be competing in the CAF Champions League.
Do you believe Ratomo is ready to establish himself in the first team?
