Former Orlando Pirates star Tshegofatso Mabasa has opened up on the details which led to his weird exit from the club.
Mabasa joined the Buccaneers in 2019 from Bloemfontein Celtic and quickly proved his worth in Mayfair, scoring seven goals in his debut campaign. In his second season, he added eight goals in 19 appearances.
However, Gabadinho Mhango was in scintillating form as the club’s main marksman, leaving few opportunities for Mabasa to regularly lead the line at the time.
After returning from loan spells mid-2023/24, Mabasa fired in 13 goals under José Riveiro to help secure the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup titles, before adding another 15 goals the following season.
However, Riveiro’s departure proved to be a major turning point. Under incoming coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, Mabasa quickly found himself out of favor and sidelined.
He was then loaned out to Stellenbosch before being completely disposed off at the end of last season. Now, following his move to Moroccan side MAS Fes, the talented striker has opened up on his exit at the Buccaneers
Mabasa opens up on Pirates exit
Reflecting on the turbulent end to his time in Soweto, the prolific marksman admitted that the sudden shift in his fortunes was difficult to comprehend.
“It was a very confusing period for me, I won’t lie, for me, I felt I was still delivering, regardless of whatever is happening off the ball. I was delivering,” Mabasa told Idiski Times in an exclusive interview.
The lethal striker then went on to admit his exclusion was baffling as his pressing and work rate had not dropped from previous seasons under Riveiro. “It’s just unfortunate my opportunity never came again in the season.” Mabasa concluded.
Mabasa left Orlando Pirates as the club’s second highest all-time top scorer, falling two goals shy of the legendary Benedict Vilakazi who scored 52 goals for the club.
Now, the 29-year-old will be hoping to put his Bucs chapter behind him by resurrecting his career in Morocco.
Photo: Alche Greeff/Gallo Images
