The future of Tshegofatso Mabasa at Orlando Pirates is hanging in the air as the Buccaneers are set to complete the signing of Stellenbosch FC attacker Andre de Jong.
The 29-year-old has netted four times in nine appearances across all competitions this season. Despite his good scoring record, Mabasa has struggled for gametime with Bucs coach Abdeslam Ouaddou preferring Evidence Makgopa and Yanela Mbuthuma upfront.
The lethal striker has scored 50 goals for the Sea Robbers and is just a few goals shy of becoming the club’s all-time leading goalscorer in the PSL era. With the record in his sight, the 29-year-old did not play a part in Orlando Pirates’ last few matches of the year.
“Mabasa knows that he’s one of the best players who is capable of finishing in the box,” Ouaddou said about the striker.
Mabasa might leave Orlando Pirates
“Now we’re pressing very high and chasing, I cannot afford to leave the opponents with the ball for more than five seconds, it’s too much. It’s an area that he knows he needs to do more. When you have players who are able to do that, we make the choice to select those kinds of players. We expect a bit more from him in terms of pressing.”
With another forward set to arrive at Pirates, what does this mean for Mabasa? De Jong is different type of striker as he can play a holding role and also a number 10 role to provide for the main striker.
Mabasa can remain at Orlando Pirates until the end of the year but he might not get enough game time to add to his numbers.
A source told Soccer Laduma that Pirates were close to sealing a deal with De Jonge.
“I spoke to him, and he was very open. He said, ‘Look, man, I’m leaving – the offer from Pirates was quite tempting,” the insider explained.
“He is expected to make the switch to his new club this week.”
With Makgopa going to AFCON, Mabasa might get more gametime in January if Bafana manage to get far in the tournament.