Mabasa Calls For Consistency As Bucs Attempt To Transfer Cup Success To League Form

Orlando Pirates forward Tshegofatso Mabasa has indicated the necessary changes to translate their cup form into league success. 

The Soweto giants lifted their third consecutive MTN8 title on Saturday, beating Stellenbosch 3-1 in a thrilling battle at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Under the guidance of coach Jose Riveiro, who was appointed as the new Pirates head coach in June 2022, the Buccaneers have gone on to win five of the six cup competitions they have participated in. 

Despite the cup success, the Buccaneers have struggled to catch up to a rampant Mamelodi Sundowns in the domestic league, coming out second in the two seasons that Riveiro has been in charge.

Evident of the Pirates’ struggle in league form, the Buccaneers trailed behind Sundowns by 23 points in the previous season after dropping points against struggling bottom-of-the-table opponents. 

The Pirates frontman highlighted consistency as the one major factor behind their struggle in converting Cup success into league form. 

“The biggest thing is obviously to be consistent and to get the result regardless of the performance that we put out there. The most important thing in the league is the results and that is what we are to do together as a group,” explained Mabasa.

The former Swallows striker further assured the team’s commitment saying, “We know what we want to achieve and the goals that we set out for ourselves, and we will continue to work hard towards doing that.”

In their recent cup success, the Soweto club has seen contributions come from different players, with many members of their prominent squad pulling optimal effort whenever given the opportunity. 

The 28-year-old sniper highlighted the brotherhood and mutual support within camp to become a pivotal attribute to their possible success in the Betway Premiership. 

“As I said, the unity within the group and the amount of belief we have in one another, hopefully, that will pull us through and manage to get us a lot of results in the league,” asserted the 2023/24 season top scorer. 

Unlike the previous seasons, the Buccaneers have however managed to begin the new season on a positive footing, winning all three first games, level on points with Sundowns, and coming second on goal difference.