With the new season on the horizon, all eyes are on Tshegofatso Mabasa as he steps into the spotlight, not just as a key striker for Orlando Pirates, but as a man on a mission.
The 28-year-old forward isn’t just preparing for another campaign—he’s chasing a legacy.
Closing In on a Legendary Record
Mabasa is on the brink of becoming a household name in the Buccaneers’ history books.
He’s currently sitting on 46 goals for the club, and just seven more will see him surpass the legendary Benedict ‘Tso’ Vilakazi as Orlando Pirates’ all-time top scorer.
Last season, he found the net 15 times across all competitions—including seven goals in 25 league matches—and he’s determined to push that number higher this time around.
A Target Before AFCON
In a recent chat with iDiski Times, Mabasa revealed that he’s not just aiming to break the record—he’s setting a clear timeline.
“I want to make it happen before AFCON kicks off,” he said confidently. “I think I need 10 or 11 goals to be safe, but it’s doable.
In August alone, we’ve got five matches, maybe six if you count MTN8. I don’t see why I can’t get there.”
No Room for Doubt or Pressure
Mabasa made it clear that the pressure of chasing a record isn’t weighing on him.
In fact, he sees it as a motivation. “I don’t feel pressure anymore,” he explained. “It’s about putting it into the universe, speaking it into existence.
That’s something my mom always taught me—if you believe it and say it out loud, it will come to life.”
New Season, New Role?
Last season, Mabasa was often used as a backup option, with then-head coach Jose Riveiro preferring Evidence Makgopa in the striker role.
But this season, under the leadership of new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, things could change.
The former Bloemfontein Celtic star might finally get the chance to lead the Pirates’ attack from the front more regularly—and that could be the boost he needs to smash the record.
Will He Do It?
With a packed schedule in August and a renewed sense of confidence, Mabasa looks ready to make history.
The real question now is—will he do it? Will this be the season Tshegofatso Mabasa etches his name in Pirates’ folklore?
