Orlando Pirates star Tshegofatso Mabasa has hit the 50-goal mark for the club.
The milestone became a reality during Tuesday night’s 2-0 win over TS Galaxy in the Betway Premiership at the Orlando Stadium.
According to head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, Mabasa’s quality does not start and end with his talent; the French-Moroccan mentor says Mabasa’s generosity and selflessness are what set him apart.
PIRATES COACH ABDESLAM OUADDOU ON TSHEGOFATSO MABASA’S 50TH GOAL
Mabasa’s latest goal puts the striker within touching distance of Benedict Vilakazi’s all-time record of 58 goals for Pirates.
But for Ouaddou, Mabasa’s real legacy goes beyond numbers. He has a clean heart,” Ouaddou told journalists. “He’s always advising teammates, encouraging them, and showing professionalism even when he’s not in the starting line-up,” added the 46-year-old coach.
The victory lifted Pirates to third place on the Betway Premiership table with 15 points from seven matches. The Buccaneers are also unbeaten in 10 games across all competitions.
MABASA’S CAREER SO FAR
Born in Botshabelo, Free State, 29 years ago, Mabasa made his professional debut as young as 17 when he was spotted playing for Grey College by the former Bloemfontein Celtic coach Ernst Middendorp.
After 12 goals and three assists in 59 games for Celtic, Mabasa signed for Pirates in 2019, aged 23. His best season as a Buccaneer was in the 2023/24 season when he banged in 19 goals in 33 games.
His career with the Soweto giants has also included loan spells with Sekhukhune United in 2022 and at Moroka Swallows in 2023.
On the international stage, Mabasa has a low of two caps for Bafana Bafana, with coach Hugo Broos reportedly not a fan of his ability to defend from the front.
Meanwhile, the Sea Robbers are focused on hosting Siwelele FC on Saturday in the Carling Knockout last 16. Kickoff will be at 15:00 at the Orlando Stadium.