Orlando Pirates are probably relieved not to have sold their top striker Tshegofatso Mabasa in January.
The 27-year-old was loaned out to Moroka Swallows before the start of the season where he scored six goals in the first half of the season. Before the move, he was Bafana Bafana’s leading goalscorer at the Cosafa Cup last year.
With newfound belief and form, Mabasa led the Dube Birds’ attack, finding his scoring boots once again. The Buccaneers, on the other hand, were reportedly willing to sell the striker permanently in January. Swallows were unlikely to make the move permanent given their financial situation. AmaZulu were in the running to sign the Bafana Bafana forward, who had been on loan twice.
Initially, Mabasa was not in Pirates coach Jose Riveiro’s plans but given his exploits at Swallows, fans asked for the striker to be recalled. With key strikers Kermit Erasmus and Zakhele Lepasa struggling for goals, Riveiro had to rely on Evidence Makgopa.
Pirates’s decision not to sell Mabasa paying off
In January, the team decided to recall Mabasa given their struggles upfront. Upon his return, the former Bloemfontein Celtic continued where he left off scoring goals for the Sea Robbers.
A permanent for a fee of around R3.5 million was what Pirates wanted for Mabasa but his price tag could be higher next season.
Riveiro has praised the Bafana striker, calling him complete.
“He fits well, he’s a striker that can help us to play better. Not only (his finishing), we all know what ‘Tshego’ can do in the box, he’s quality, he’s tiny in the air, he’s very complete, as close to the box as possible.
“But he’s also improving his play far from the box, it’s also giving us a lot of things, improving himself and the team. Like I said, he is a striker – but we don’t only see the number nine,” Pirates coach said about Mabasa as per IOL.
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