Riding a wave of confidence, Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa has pointed out two records at the Soweto giants he is gunning for.
Mabasa recently moved into second place on Pirates all-time scorers list in the PSL era following his hat-trick against Baroka FC over the weekend.
The hitman netted three goals at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Saturday as Pirates beat Baroka 3-1 to book a place in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals.
With his second hat-trick of the season, the Bafana Bafana striker surpassed Phumlani Mkhize and the late Lesley Manyathela, who are tied on 41 goals on the leading scorers list at Pirates.
The 28-year-old is 14 goals away from equalling Bucs legend Benedict Vilakazi’s record of 58 goals. Vilakazi is currently the all-time top scorer at the club.
MABASA EYES TSO VILAKAZI’S RECORD AND HAT-TRICK MILESTONE AT PIRARTES
With two hat-tricks already this season, one in the Nedbank Cup and another in the Betway Premiership, Mabasa has set his sights on more than just breaking Vilakazi’s record. He’s also aiming to achieve the most hat-tricks scored by a single player in a single season at the Soweto giants
“Definitely, it is something that I am looking at [breaking records]. Like I said, as a striker, I pride myself on the chances that I take and the goals that I score,” said Mabasa in Randburg after the Nedbank Cup quarterfinals draw.
“Being able to leave a mark, leave a legacy at this club is something really great for me, and obviously, being a club that I supported from a very young age, it will really mean a lot to me, and it is something that I am chasing and looking forward to doing.”
“I pride myself on the goals that I scored. It’s truly something special, and if there is such a record at the club of the number of hat tricks for Orlando Pirates, it’s something that I am definitely looking for. I am looking to break each and every record that I can stumble across. I am here.
“Hitting the back of the net feels great, especially if you are a striker. It’s my ability in front of goals. I think the whole country knows about me and knows about that. I also have support from my teammates. It really goes a long way and I can only appreciate the support as well.”
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