Orlando Pirates have confirmed the exit of striker Tshegofatso Mabasa, who is joining Stellenbosch FC on loan for the remainder of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season.
Mabasa has struggled to break into the Pirates’ starting line-up under head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou despite his proven scoring track record.
The 29-year-old forward has been the subject of speculation in the past few weeks after the opening of the January transfer window. Mabasa’s loan move to Stellenbosch comes as a major surprise after the forward finished the past two seasons as the club’s top goal scorer.
In the current campaign, Mabasa was chasing the long-standing record of all-time leading scorer at Pirates, where he was looking to surpass Benedict Vilakazi’s record of 58 goals.
The former Bloemfontein Celtic star has netted 50 goals for the Sea Robbers, and he was eight goals away from becoming the new record scorer of Pirates. Since the start of the 2025/26 season, Mabasa has been in and out of the matchday squad as he’s seemingly not fitting Ouaddou’s style of play.
MABASA JOINS GAVIN HUNT AT STELLENBOSCH
In the first round of the campaign, Mabasa has featured in nine matches in all competitions, scored four goals, and chipped in with one assist. Meanwhile, the former Marumo Gallants coach has preferred Yanela Mbuthuma, Evidence Makgopa, and Boitumelo Radiopane to share the scoring responsibilities at Pirates.
After battling for regular playing minutes, the Bafana Bafana international has an opportunity to regain his best scoring form at Stellies, where he’ll play under the experienced mentor Gavin Hunt.
On Monday afternoon, Pirates bid farewell to the highly-rated talisman, announcing that he will spend the last six months of the season with the Winelands-based side.
“Orlando Pirates can confirm the move of striker Tshegofatso Mabasa to Stellenbosch FC. The 29-year-old moves to Stellies on a loan for the remainder of the season.” Pirates said on social media.
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