Tshegofatso Mabasa says he would be looking forward to working with Moroka Swallows coach Steve Komphela again, although the striker said he is not yet sure that he’s joining the Dube Birds on loan.
Mabasa’s club, Orlando Pirates confirmed last week that they are “in discussions” with Swallows over a loan deal, with talks expected to continue after the completion of the COSAFA Cup in Durban on Sunday.
The former Bloemfontein Celtic striker was on loan at Sekhukhune United last season, looking for regular game-time but he somewhat struggled under coach Brandon Truter.
“So far I can’t mention anything yet, I’m going back to Joburg and sit down with my agent,” said Mabasa when asked about the proposed Swallows move.
“We will see what options we have on the table and take it from there.”
Swallows chairman David Mogashoa appeared to be excited about the arrival of Mabasa, sharing a picture or Erling Haaland’s celebration with his club Manchester City last season – sitting down and mimicking to be praying with number 9 on his back.
Mabasa has been using the same celebration in recent times whenever he finds the back of the net and he was also wearing the number 9 on his back with Bafana at the COSAFA Cup, where he finished as one of the top scorers with three goals.
If the move to Swallows does happens, Mabasa says he will be excited to be working with Komphela again, after he coached him at Celtic for a short while in the 2018/19 season before joining Pirates at the end of that campaign.
“I love coach Steve,” said Mabasa.
“He’s one of the best coaches in the country. Yes, people criticise him for not winning trophies and what before (as the head coach), but he is one of the best coaches in all honesty.
“How many players came from his coaching and went on to do well?
“It will definitely be a great opportunity to be working with him again.”
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As much as it was short, Mabasa had his best ever career run at Celtic, scoring nine league goals in 23 appearances.
When asked, though, if he still has a future at Pirates, Mabasa said he was unsure.
“Like I said, I can only go and decide once I’m back in Jozi with my agent. As of yet I don’t know anything,” he added.
In three full seasons with Pirates, Mabasa has featured in 65 matches, scoring 22 goals in all competitions, winning the MTN8 in the 2020/21 season.
