Ramoreboli’s bold claim on out-of-favour Pirates striker Mabasa
Bafana Bafana stand-in coach for COSAFA Cup Morena Ramoreboli has made a bold claim on out-of-favour Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa.
Mabasa’s future with Orlando Pirates hangs in the balance as in the past seasons; he’s been struggling for game time and scoring goals. He joined the Soweto giants from Bloemfontein Celtic at the start of the 2019/20 campaign
In Pirates colours, Mabasa has made 66 appearances with 18 goals and an assist to his name.
The 26-year-old spent last season out on loan at Sekhukhune United, however failed to make an impression.
In 20-matches in all competitions he played for Babina Noko, he was only directly involved in four goals. He scored two and provided two assists.
Ahead of the 2023/24 new season, the Soweto giants have already confirmed that Mabasa will be sent out on a season long loan once again.
He’s not part of the pre-season camp in Spain as he’s finalising his loan move to another Soweto outfit Moroka Swallows.
In the 2023 COSAFA Cup hosted in Durban, Mabasa has impressed coach Ramoreboli. On Tuesday 11 July he was introduced as a second half substitute against Eswatini, coming in for Victor Letsoalo.
He made an immediate impact scoring a brace guiding the hosts to the semi-finals of the competition.
MORENA RAMOREBOLI ON WHAT TSHEGOFATSO MABASA OF DOING
“Tshego [Mabasa] can score goals at any given time,” said Ramoreboli after the Eswatini game in Durban.
“He might not give you what [Victor] Letsoalo would give you in terms of being quick into spaces and like [Iqraam] Reyners, but Tshego is a finisher.
“Again, it was also a risk and a motivation for Tshegofatsho Mabasa. He needs to come back and remind people who Tshegofatso Mabasa is.”
ALL EYES ON THE COSAFA CUP FINAL
Group B winner Malawi will battle it out against Group C winners Lesotho. On the other hand, Bafana will lock horns with neighbours Zambia.
Both matches will be played at King Zwelithini Stadium on Friday 15 July at 3pm and 6pm respectively.
RELATION STORY: Why Pirates loanee Tshegofatso Mabasa is sidelined at Sekhukhune