Mabasa Weighs In On Competition With Makgopa

Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa has discussed whether the competition he has with fellow frontman Evidence Makgopa, with the pair constantly swapping roles on the bench throughout the season, is affecting his confidence.

Mabasa, who signed for Pirates in July 2019 from Bloemfontein Celtic, was deemed surplus to requirements upon Jose Riveiro’s arrival and was sent out on a season-long loan to Sekhukhune United in the 2022/23 campaign.

The 28-year-old’s misery was compounded by another loan to Moroka Swallows in the subsequent season, but the agreement was cut short after Swallows was embroiled in financial difficulties. The player returned to Pirates in January 2024, going on to win the 2023/24 Golden Boot with 16 goals.

Despite proving his worth with his goal-scoring prowess, the Botshabelo-born star is still not an established first-choice striker under the Spanish mentor. However, the center-forward takes no issue with his role within the team, acknowledging the need for teamwork and unity in camp.

“It’s something we have to understand as players, it’s something that I also understand. Evidence [Makgopa] has also been doing well so it’s a good headache for the coach to have, especially if you have two strikers,” said Mabasa.

“If one is scoring in this game and the other one scores in another game, you can only be happy as a coach. But the unity that we have and the brotherhood that we have within the group [helps a lot] as well.”

Mabasa went on to credit his teammates for the support that they’ve shown him together with Makgopa, stating that it creates healthy competition between him and the former Baroka FC talisman as they’ve both accepted sharing the responsibility of leading the line for the Buccaneers.

“The amount of support that we receive from the rest of the team is huge, you should see whenever we are out there [in training] doing finishing drills, how everyone gets behind one another and try to support one another,” he added.

“It’s always a competition, yes, but at the end of the day it’s [about] what works for the team on the day, and we have accepted that, and we are aware of that – me and Evidence.” 

Mabasa has scored 13 goals and provided one assist in 34 appearances across all competitions this season, with five of the goals coming in 17 Betway Premiership matches. 

The goal-poacher will be keen to add to his tally when the Sea Robbers return to action after the FIFA international break.