Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has delivered his verdict on the in-form striker Tshegofatso Mabasa.
The goal-poacher scored a brace when Pirates beat the Motsepe Foundation Championship side Hungry Lions 4-0 in the Nedbank Cup last 16 at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
Mabasa has scored three goals for Pirates in the Nedbank Cup since returning from his loan spell at Moroka Swallows in January. His first goal for the Buccaneers since his return was against the minnows Crystal Lake whom they defeated 6-0.
‘Snipper’, as he’s affectionately known, has started the past two games for Pirates in the absence of Bafana Bafana striker Evidence Makgopa.
The 27-year-old attacker was leading the attacking line when Pirates defeated Kaizer Chiefs 3-2 in the Soweto derby last weekend.
Mabasa has managed to keep Kermit Erasmus, Zakhele Lepasa, and Souaibou Marou on the bench since returning from loan.
JOSE RIVEIRO POINTS OUT IMPROVEMENTS IN MABASA’S GAMES
With the left-footed striker seemingly gaining his best form at Pirates, his coach Jose Riveiro has spoken about how Mabasa has improved in recent games.
“He [Mabasa] fits well in what we are looking for in his position. He’s a striker that can help us to play better,” Riveiro said.
“We all know what Tshegofatso can do inside the box, his quality, and his timing in the air. He’s very complete.
“But he’s also improving with playing far from the box, he’s also giving us a lot of things, we don’t see the number nine as a player to finalise the action in the box.
“We need a player that helps us to play better, to play the football that we want to play, to be in contact with the ball and dominate the central lane of the field. We want a striker that can create spaces for our three number 10.
“And so far Tshego is doing well, it is good for him and the team because he’s finding the net which is important for number nine.”
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