COMMENT | Orlando Pirates cannot afford to let Tshegofatso Mabasa slip away

Letting experienced striker Tshegofatso Mabasa leave would be a costly self-inflicted setback for Orlando Pirates, potentially derailing their pursuit of silverware in the seasons ahead.

Mabasa has entered the final six months of his contract, which expires at the end of June, allowing him the freedom to engage in talks with other clubs and explore potential moves. 

With his future uncertain, Pirates face a crucial decision: retain one of their most proven strikers or risk leaving a gap that could prove difficult to fill, particularly given his experience in a team competing on multiple fronts. 

The Buccaneers were among the busiest clubs during the season-opening transfer window, making over 10 signings. Coupled with tactical adjustments, these changes have helped forge a fluid and energetic style of play, allowing the Soweto giants to dominate the early stages of the campaign.

Their momentum has continued into the current transfer window, with the signing of former Stellenbosch midfielder Andre de Jong further strengthening an already impressive squad.

Despite limited time to implement his philosophy, Moroccan tactician Abdeslam Ouaddou has seen the Sea Robbers hit the ground running, lifting two trophies — the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout — while opening a two-point lead at the summit of the Betway Premiership.

Initially, the campaign was expected to be largely transitional, with new players integrating and established stars building on the foundations laid last season. However, the team has exceeded expectations, thriving amidst the squad overhaul.

Amid this success, Mabasa’s situation has grown increasingly complex. Despite a stellar 2023/24 campaign in which he finished as the league’s top scorer with 16 goals, he often found himself playing second fiddle to Evidence Makgopa last season.

This season has done little to ease his frustrations. With just one goal from five league appearances, the 29-year-old has spent much of the campaign on the sidelines, even as he was tipped to challenge Pirates’ all-time scoring record.

Currently, he sits just two goals shy of club legend Benedict Vilakazi’s 52-goal mark, yet it remains unclear how he will reach that milestone unless his situation changes.

With younger forwards like Yanela Mbuthuma and Boitumelo Radiopane climbing the pecking order and Makgopa delivering consistently, Mabasa may be tempted to seek opportunities elsewhere, with reports linking him to both Kaizer Chiefs and title rivals Mamelodi Sundowns.

Parting with him, particularly to a direct rival like Sundowns, would carry even greater risk. The Brazilians, perennial title contenders with Caf Champions League commitments, would gain a proven striker without the need for a transfer fee, which would translate to strengthening a direct competitor for Pirates.

Ultimately, retaining Mabasa makes far more sense for Pirates than letting him go, especially as he meets the primary requirement: scoring goals. Releasing a proven scorer — regardless of destination — would weaken the squad unnecessarily. 

For a side chasing trophies on multiple fronts and potentially in line to return to the Champions League next season, letting him leave now would be a self-inflicted blow with consequences stretching into the seasons ahead.