‘I take a bow!’ International striker pens emotional farewell after his exit from Orlando Pirates

Tshegofatso Mabasa is among the six players Orlando Pirates confirmed they will not be part of the club any longer.

‘Sinper,’ as he is commonly referred to, joined the club eight years ago from a now-defunct Bloemfontein Celtic. He went on to make 141 appearances for the Sea Robbers, scoring 50 goals in the process, just eight behind the club’s all-time top scorer Benedict ‘Tso’ Vilakazi.

In the last six months, the 29-year-old was surprisingly sent on loan to Stellenbosch, leaving Yanela Mbuthuma and Evidence Makgopa as the main men in attack. A majority of Bucs faithful anticipated him to return to the club, but he has been let go alongside Thabitso Lebitso, Bandile Shandu, Sipho Mbule, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Karim Kimvuidi, and Deivi Miguel Vieira (Gilberto).

In his farewell note, Mabasa has appreciated the chance he had to represent the club, at the same time thanking the supporters for supporting him.

Mabasa bids Orlando Pirates goodbye

“Eight years ago, a young man walked through the doors of Rand Stadium with nothing but a dream and a hunger to succeed,” Mabasa posted on his Instagram account.

“Today, I leave this great institution with immense gratitude and pride. Thank you to Orlando Pirates for giving me the opportunity to be part of a club whose history and legacy will forever remain close to my heart.

To every player, coach, staff member, and teammate I shared this journey with, thank you for the memories, friendships, and moments that will stay with me forever.

“From the 3-Peat in Durban, to the 2023/24 Golden-Boot award, the back-to-back success in Mbombela, that unforgettable night in Cairo, ending the league drought, and celebrating the Club’s 2nd highest All time goal scorer with my 50th goals for Orlando Pirates; these are memories I will cherish for life.

“To all the faithful Buccaneers, thank you for your unwavering love, support, and belief throughout the years. I am forever grateful. As I take a bow, I wish the Club and its supporters nothing but continued success. Thank you for everything,” Mabasa concluded