Mabasa scores brace to spark fresh Pirates debate
· The South African
Orlando Pirates supporters are once again calling for the return of striker Tshegofatso Mabasa following the team’s recent struggles in front of goal.
The 29-year-old forward joined Stellenbosch FC on loan in January and has wasted no time making an impact. Nicknamed “Sniper,” Mabasa has already scored three goals for coach Gavin Hunt’s side in the Cape Winelands.
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In contrast, Pirates have found goals hard to come by, with strikers Yanela Mbuthuma and Evidence Makgopa struggling for consistency in the final third.
Before his departure, Mabasa had netted four goals in nine appearances for the Buccaneers but was largely underutilised by head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
With Pirates chasing league success, many fans believe the club made a costly error by allowing a proven finisher to leave mid-season.
Will Mabasa return to Pirates?
Speculation continues to grow around Mabasa’s future. It is believed that Ouaddou prefers high-pressing forwards who can lead the defensive effort from the front, a style that does not naturally suit Mabasa, who thrives as a traditional penalty-box striker reliant on quality service.
However, with Pirates continuing to miss clear-cut chances, supporters argue that Mabasa’s instinct in front of goal could have made a crucial difference in tight matches.
Fans took to social media to express their frustration:
@kappilinho: “Can’t help but feel Pirates made a mistake by loaning Mabasa. Ouaddou made it clear he’s not pressing enough for his style. Fair, but he could come off the bench in tight games and do what he always does — score goals…”
@TaSanqa: “Big mistake. Mabasa offered a Plan B, a different type of play. Right now Pirates don’t have one.”
@RoodroNicholl: “This will hurt us as Pirates fans if Makgopa and Mbuthuma keep missing chances.”
@Livhuwani_king: “Wish Pirates can settle their differences. We need him back.”
As the season enters a decisive phase, the debate around Mabasa’s absence is only intensifying and could continue if Pirates fail to solve their goalscoring woes.