Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa has reached a great milestone at the club following his consistent performances.
Last season, Mabasa was impressive in front of goal netting 19 goals in 33 matches across all competitions. He finished as the league’s top goalscorer after banging 16 goals, winning the Golden Boot award.
In the current campaign, the talented striker has continued from where he left off, finding the back of the net 12 times in 30 matches in all competitions. His efforts saw Pirates successfully defend the MTN8 title for a third time in a row, earlier in the season.
On Saturday, the 28-year-old showcased his masterclass against Baroka FC in the Nedbank Cup Last 16 at Orlando Stadium. He scored a hat-trick in a 3-1 victory which was his second of the season. Mabasa’s first hat-trick was against Marumo Gallants in the Betway Premiership in December 2024.
TSHEGOFATSO MABASA BECOMES PIRATES’ SECOND ALL-TIME HIGHEST SCORER IN PSL ERA
The hat-trick against Baroka saw Mabasa become the second all-time highest scorer in the colours of Pirates in the era of PSL with 44 goals.
The Bafana Bafana international surpassed club legends; Phumlani Mkhize and the late Lesley Manyathela, who sit at 41 goals respectively. Prior to the match, Mabasa was on par with the two club legends.
Former captain Benedict Vilakazi is holding the record for scoring the most number of goals after he found the back of the net 58 times. Therefore, Mabasa is 14 goals away from equalling Tso Vilakazi’s record.
Speaking to Pirates’ media department, Mabasa says personal milestones are not a priority to him as his focus is to help the team achieve it’s goals.
“I’m happy with today’s performance, and I’m glad to see the team bounce back after the loss in our previous game. For me, it’s not about personal milestones,” said Mabasa.
“I want to focus on the team’s goals because they are more impactful and meaningful for the club and our fans. We’re all working hard to achieve something special this season.”
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