No striker, no goals: Pirates feeling Mabasa’s absence

Abdeslam Ouaddou’s decision to loan out Tshegofatso Mabasa is beginning to raise serious questions as Orlando Pirates continue to struggle in front of goal.

The Buccaneers’ blunt attack was once again exposed in their Nedbank Cup clash against Casric Stars, where Ouaddou opted to start without a recognised striker.

The gamble failed to pay off as Pirates were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by the Motsepe Foundation Championship side before crashing out in a dramatic penalty shootout.

No Mabasa, no party for Pirates

In the second leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round against Saint-Éloi Lupopo, Pirates trailed 3-0 on aggregate, yet Ouaddou again chose not to deploy an out-and-out striker from the start.

The team looked far more threatening when Yanela Mbuthuma was introduced, and he found the back of the net as Pirates mounted a spirited comeback. However, they ultimately fell short on penalties, history repeating itself against Casric.

Earlier this season, many Pirates supporters had called for Tshegofatso Mabasa’s inclusion. “The Sniper” was handed an opportunity in the MTN8 final against Stellenbosch FC and repaid the faith by scoring in a commanding 3-0 victory.

Despite registering four goals in nine appearances this campaign, Mabasa was loaned out to Stellenbosch — a decision that did not sit well with sections of the fanbase.

Since his departure, Pirates’ attacking struggles have intensified. Mbuthuma has battled for consistency in front of goal, while Evidence Makgopa has also failed to provide a regular scoring threat.

New signing Andre de Jong has yet to make a meaningful impact since arriving in January.

Mabasa’s goal on debut for Stellenbosch has only intensified scrutiny over Ouaddou’s call.

With more than 50 goals for Pirates to his name, his absence is increasingly felt. Against Casric, a proven finisher capable of unsettling defences might have made all the difference.

The question now lingers: was Mabasa’s loan move purely a footballing decision or one that Pirates may soon regret?

Will Ouaddou regret loaning Mabasa?