Orlando Pirates star told to fight for his place

Orlando Pirates legend Benedict ‘Tso’ Vilakazi has urged Bucs striker Tshegofatso Mabasa to fight for his position.

The 28-year-old did not start many games last season under Jose Riveiro but could be down the pecking order once again under the new coach.

Mabasa is currently on 46 goals for the Buccaneers and needs just seven goals to break Tso’s record. Although his goalscoring record is on the line, Vilakazi has urged the Orlando Pirates striker to fight hard to earn his place back in the starting eleven.

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“Boy, don’t give up; continue to work hard. Yes, I’ve seen in some pre-season games that you were not that featured like other strikers,” Vilakazi told the Omniaudioafrica YouTube Channel.

“But don’t give up. You know what I’m talking about. You know you went to Swallows because you didn’t get game time, but you did very well and came back and continued where you left off. For me, it shows character,” the former Orlando Pirates midfielder added.

“You can’t keep a good man down. Boy, they can bring 20 other strikers, I’m telling you from my heart, but I don’t think they will close you down and make you not be seen. You’re a once-special player who knows the poles.”

“So far in my eyes, at Pirates, you’re the only striker where even when I’m sleeping and you say, ‘Who do you want to put in as a striker?’ It’s always going to be you.”

Orlando Pirates open their 2025/26 season against Polokwane City this Saturday in the MTN8.