‘Deadly striker’ Tshegofatso Mabasa tipped to shine at Stellenbosch after Pirates’ exit

Orlando Pirates opted to loan Bafana Bafana striker Tshegofatso Mabasa to Stellenbosch in the ongoing January transfer window.

The towering forward struggled for game-time at Bucs with coach Abdeslam Ouaddou favouring compatriot Evidence Makgopa and Yanela Mbuthuma. At some point, even Boitumelo Radiopane was preferred ahead of the 29-year-old forward.

Mabaa made his Stellies debut, under new coach Gavin Hunt, on Tuesday against Sekhukhune United. Interestingly, the striker scored the only goal of the match which handed his new team maximum points.

It was Stellies’ fourth win in the league this season after 15 outings, with three draws and eight losses.

Stellies move, a blessing for Mabasa!

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Mpho Makola has explained why the South Africa forward needed a move to Hunt’s team.

“Mabasa’s loan move to Stellenbosch is timeous. He needed a new environment that appreciates him, and this move reduces pressure on him,” he said as quoted by FARPost.

“He needed to regain confidence, and in Cape Town, he won’t have the same pressure as in Johannesburg or Soweto where you can meet supporters demanding answers at any time.

“Mabasa is a deadly striker, but the environment has to aid him by accepting that there are highs and lows,” Mabasa concluded.