Kaizer Chiefs, Sundowns in battle for Orlando Pirates star

Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa has become the subject of a transfer tug-of-war, with both Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns vying for his signature.

Mabasa, who is in the final six months of his contract at Pirates, has struggled for consistent game time under coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. His omission from the Carling Cup clash against the Carling All-Stars at Moses Mabhida Stadium only fueled speculation that his days in the famous black and white jersey are numbered.

While Ouaddou insists the former Bloemfontein Celtic forward remains part of his plans, insiders suggest Mabasa’s chances of featuring again for the Buccaneers are “very slim.”

One source told KickOff: “Mabasa has played his last match for Orlando Pirates. Everything is written on the wall. It’s now a subject of leaving in January and waiting until his contract is finished in June.”

Both Chiefs and Sundowns are believed to have made contact with the player, with Sundowns reportedly prepared to go all out to lure him to Chloorkop. Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca have also shown interest, but the local battle between Amakhosi and The Brazilians is expected to dominate the headlines.

Pirates, meanwhile, have already moved to strengthen their attack by signing Andre De Jong from Stellenbosch FC, as they aim to add the league title to their Carling Knockout and MTN8 triumphs.