Former Moroka Swallows striker Mpho Maleka has offered words of encouragement to Tshegofatso Mabasa, narrating how he was also once overlooked for Bafana Bafana.
Mabasa was surprisingly left out of the Hugo Broos squad to face Nigeria and Zimbabwe in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. This is despite the 27-year-old finishing as the DStv Premiership top goalscorer in the 2023/24 season.
Maleka says the Orlando Pirates striker should take the snub as motivation.
MPHO MALEKA RECALLS HOW HE DEALT WITH A BAFANA BAFANA SNUB
“I remember there was a stage where I was a top goal scorer [while playing for Mpumalanga Black Aces]. Second behind me was [Knowledge] Musona from Kaizer Chiefs,” he told FARPost.
“I had about eight goals in 10 games, and that showed consistency. But the national team selector then chose Sthembiso Ngcobo who only had one goal. So, instead of looking down and questioning their decision, I took it as a motivation to keep going.
“It’s very tricky, but on the other hand is very motivating. Some of us take the negatives to motivate us so that we can keep on working.”
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR ORLANDO PIRATES STRIKER TSHEGOFATSO MABASA
“Focus on yourself and where you are at the club level. Eventually, you will get your chance. Opportunities come in different ways. I am saying this because I know how it feels when you know you have done enough compared to your competitors.
Maleka added: “The guy has been consistent. I have been happy with his moves; he doesn’t shy away from the goal mouth. So, for me, I can tell him to keep going. As a striker, you are as good as your last game. A striker is judged by how many goals he has scored. So it’s a matter of you to keep going and scoring. Your chance will come.”
“I never looked down after I was not selected for the national team. But eventually, my chance came once and I did represent my country.”
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