Mabasa Eyes Orlando Pirates Goal-Scoring Record
Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa has expressed his ambition to become the club’s all-time leading goal scorer, leaving a lasting legacy at the Soweto giants.
Mabasa’s three goals against Baroka FC in the Nedbank Cup round of 16 at Orlando Stadium on Saturday brought his tally to 12 goals in 30 appearances across all competitions this season, with one assist. This was his second hat-trick of the season, the first coming against Marumo Gallants in an 8-1 Betway Premiership victory.
These goals increased Mabasa’s total for Pirates to 44 goals in 208 matches, along with 10 assists, placing him second on the club’s all-time scoring list behind Benedict “Tso” Vilakazi, who scored 58 goals. He surpassed club legends Phumlani Mkhize and the late Lesley Manyathela, who were tied with him on 41 goals before this match.
“Definitely, it is something I’m looking at,” Mabasa said when asked about his pursuit of the all-time goal-scoring record. “Like I said, I pride myself on the chances I take and the goals that I score. Leaving a legacy at this club, which I grew up supporting from a young age, would be a great honor. It’s something I’m striving for and looking forward to achieving.”
Mabasa already has a piece of Pirates history, having won the PSL Golden Boot (Lesley Manyathela Award) last season with 16 goals in 26 matches. However, six of those goals were scored while playing for Moroka Swallows before his return to Pirates in the second half of the campaign. Manyathela won the same award with Pirates in the 2001/02 season, scoring 18 league goals and 21 in all competitions as Pirates won the league title then.
“Off the top of my head, it has to be Lesley Manyathela,” Mabasa said when asked about his role model at the club. “He’s one player I wish the country could have seen more of. It’s unfortunate what happened, and may his soul rest in peace. He’s one striker, and I think he was one of the best strikers this club has ever had. To be mentioned in the same breath as him is an honor and a privilege.”
Mabasa spoke after Monday’s Nedbank Cup quarter-final draw, which paired Pirates against SuperSport United. Pirates have won this cup in the last two seasons.
