AmaZulu FC president Sandile Zungu has explained what prevented Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa’s move to Usuthu in January.
In December, Usuthu were reported to be interested in both Mabasa and Bongani Sam who were on-loan at Moroka Swallows during the first round of this season.
The duo is in the books of the Buccaneers. Mabasa was recalled by his parent club before the start of the second half of the campaign.
Meanwhile, Sam was among the players that were expelled by Swallows after their involvement in the strike. There were talks between him and the club for a potential return, however, he’s yet to rejoin.
Mabasa, on the other hand, has played four games since his return to Sea Robbers. He scored when they beat Crystal Lake 6-0 and provided an assist in a victory against Kaizer Chiefs this past Saturday.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with FARPost, Zungu explained that the Soweto giants indicated that Mabasa was in the coach’s plans for the second round after the exit of Bienvenu Eva Nga.
Nga left Pirates following a poor spell, having made only 17 appearances and scoring just once.
WHY PIRATES DIDN’T LET TSHEGOFATSO MABASA GO TO AMAZULU FC
“We were informed by Orlando Pirates that they let go of Eva Nga, he went to Chippa,” said Zungu.
“So, they felt they needed replacement, Mabasa is their player. They were not really keen to let go of him.”
Usuthu only made two signings in the January transfer window. They welcomed back Augustine Mulenga for the second stint with the club and signed Sifiso Ngobeni on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns.
Mulenga’s signing was made after he left Chippa United, ending a six-month spell with the Gqeberha-based outfit. He has played four matches for the KZN side, starting only once and coming on from the bench on three occasions.
And Ngobeni has featured in one match when Usuthu were downed by Cape Town Spurs last month.
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