Tshegofatso Mabasa is in his peak years as a striker, but he’s now fallen out of favour for both Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana.
What happened to Golden Boot winner Mabasa?
Tshegofatso Mabasa was the finest striker in the country in 2024, but he might have no option but to leave as he sits behind several players in the pecking order.
Even 23-year-old Yanela Mbuthuma has been preferred lately, after scoring a match-winning brace off the bench in the club’s recent 3-1 success at Golden Arrows.
Mabasa, despite being a fringe operator this term, still has four goals and an assist from nine appearances across all competitions.
However, whispers of a personal feud with Bafana Bafana boss Hugo Broos seem to have put paid to his chances of representing South Africa again under the Belgian.
That situation seems to have had a knock-on effect on his club career.
Defensive depth could propel Orlando Pirates to the title
In 2025/26, things look a little different.
Thabiso Sesane is still out (although he’s on the comeback trail) while Olisa Ndah remains sidelined, but it isn’t hurting them as much this season.
The emergence of the young pairing of Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Lebone Seema has been a timely godsend.
When Sesane returns, Buccaneers coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will have some big decisions to make.
With only five goals conceded after 12 league outings, Orlando Pirates boast the best defence in the land, and even after losing Mbekezeli Mbokazi to Chicago Fire, they still have loads of depth at the back:
- Nkosinathi Sibisi, 30
- Tapelo Xoki, 30
- Olisa Ndah, 27
- Thabiso Sesane, 25
- Lebone Seema, 22
Who should Orlando Pirates draft in to replace Mbekezeli Mbokazi in January? Do they have adequate cover?
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