ORLANDO Pirates says they are staying focused on the title race and not listening to naysayers. BackpagePix
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Orlando Pirates’ striker Tshegofatso Mabasa says winning the Betway Premiership title will mean the world for the team as that’ll entrench their name in the history of the club.
Pirates are second on the standings with 40 points, 18 behind log leaders and champions Mamelodi Sundowns who have played four games more.
Pirates could trim that gap to 15 points if they beat Sundowns on Sunday at the FNB Stadium, and to just three if they win if their four games in hand when they are rescheduled.
Many pundits and naysayers have already written off the Sea Robbers for the title, saying they are out of their depth and will not be able to knock the Brazilians off their perch come May.
However, there’s still a sense of belief within the Sea Robbers’ camp that they’ll still go all the way and end their drought in the league.
And that’s why, Mabasa, speaking to the media at the team’s base at Rand Stadium, opened up on what it will mean to be the champions of the land yet again.
“It would mean a lot honestly,” Mabasa said. “Already, we have created history for this wonderful club, but that would remain in the history books.
“History can’t be rewritten, so we must leave a legacy and leave our marks as players (who have played for the club) as well.”
Pirates are already writing their history this season by integrating more youngsters into the senior team – Relebohile Mofokeng paved the way in recent years.
Mabasa, though, believes that while they boast depth, alongside Sundowns, there are still other teams who have quality players in other teams.
“There’s a lot of quality within the teams in the country. You find Yanela Mbuthuma at Richards Bay and Shaun Mogaila at Sekhukhune (United”, Mabasa said.
“There are a lot of players that are quality at different clubs, but the mentality is a different thing especially in this league.”
Pirates' mentality to rewrite history, the books of the book, and the crop of players they have at their disposal can do the impossible – win the title this season.
The belief of achieving that feat has kept the team going. And that’s why Mabasa says they must shut out the outside noise and focus on themselves.
“Honestly, it has helped us. The sort of mentality that we’ve had within the group is the drive that helps us to keep on fighting,” he explained.
“We want more success for this club. It’s a big brand so we must keep performing, and there’s a lot of pressure from outside, but together as a group we believe there’s a lot we can achieve.”
Mabasa has been one of the standout performers for Pirates in recent years, including winning the golden boot award in the league last season.
The Pirates striker has been doing well for the club this season so much so that he’s closing on the club’s all-time top goal scorer Benedict Vilakazi.
“Yes, nothing makes me happy and as being out on the pitch. So, I just want to continue doing that,” Mabasa explained.
“Whatever opportunity comes my way; I am just happy for that. I am one person who was brought up by parents who made me believe in working hard and striving to chase what I want.”