Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa is banking on the experience of playing in the CAF Champions League, saying it will come in handy in their course in the Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Saturday (15:30). 

The Buccaneers, in fine style, reached the quarterfinal of the Champions League, after finishing on top in their group and Jose Riveiro’s side didn’t lose even a single game in the group stage. 

The MTN8 champions will host their bitter rivals Chiefs in the Betway Premiership match, with the majority tipping Pirates who have done better this Chiefs this season. 

Mabasa, who is aiming to score his first goal in the Soweto Derby, said that the experience of playing the Champions League will help them get three points. 

“It’s a big game, every player wants to play in big games,” Mabasa said. 

“We have an experience of going to Algeria playing against CR Belouizdad. It was an honor going to Cairo as well, so these are nice games to play and I want to score in this game. 

“Hopefully, I will get my first goal in the derby and help the team get three points on Saturday. 

 But playing in the Champions League is completely different in all games, there are different challenges you come up across when going to these countries and playing against different players. 

“You can only improve as a player because you learn more experience you get in playing these games. Playing in such games gives you a lot of experience, so hopefully, on Saturday it will help and give us a better advantage to win that game.” 

The former Bloemfontein Celtic talisman added that Kermit Erasmus and Bradley Grobler are the strikers that he always looks up to, and even in Europe other players admire. 

“In South African games I’ve always looked up to people that are still playing now of which it’s Kermit Erasmus and Bradley Grobler,” Mabasa said. 

“I think they are wonderful strikers in terms of the finishing ability. And, around the world, there are the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Harry Kane, and Ronaldo the Brazilian. Those are the players I’ve always looked up to.”