Former Orlando Pirates co-coach Fadlu Davids has highlighted the key pathway for MAS Fes duo Tshegofatso Mabasa and Devin Titus to enter Pitso Mosimane’s Bafana Bafana frame.
The two forwards joined Moroccan Botola Pro League reigning champions MAS Fes before the start of the 2026/27 season to play outside the Betway Premiership for the first time in their careers.
Mabasa moved from Pirates after falling out of favour with coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and spent the second half of last season on loan at Stellenbosch FC. Winger Titus was signed from the Cape Winelands side, the only club he had played for in his professional career.
Even when he was in top form for Pirates, Mabasa was snubbed for national team duty and managed just one appearance under Mosimane’s predecessor, Hugo Broos. Titus was at the 2024 COSAFA Cup where he made three appearances for Bafana.
DAVIDS TO MABASA & TITUS: CONSISTENCY CUTS IT FOR PITSO MOSIMANE
With Mosimane admitting that he is thin on strikers, Mabasa has an opportunity to impress the Bafana coach and has managed two goals and an assist in four games for MAS Fes so far this season. His compatriot Titus has a goal and three assists in six appearances as he faces what looks like a monumental task to muscle his way into the Bafana set-up, which is rich on either wing.
Davids feels quality alone will not win Mosimane’s heart, but consistency and challenging for silverware.
“I think to get into the Bafana team you need consistency. They have to show consistent performances in the league throughout the season,” Davids told FARPost in an interview. “Of course, if they challenge for the league, [domestic] titles and the [CAF] Champions League as well, it will definitely help their chances. It’s not for me to tell coach Pitso who to choose, not only Mabasa and Titua but all players.
“I’m sure coach Pitso is looking for not only quality but consistent performances week in, week out. That will definitely open their chances to be selected.”
MABASA’S BIG BOOTS TO FILL AT MAS FES AND DEVIN TITUS’ IMPACT
The pair was signed by former AmaZulu FC coach Pablo Franco Martin, who has since left the club for Tunisian heavyweights Esperance Sportive de Tunis
Mabasa is a direct replacement for Soufiane Benjdida, who was the Botola Pro League top scorer last season with 20 goals. The Moroccan attacker has since left MAS for Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
“I think Mabasa is a player who can score goals given an opportunity. He is a finisher; he is nicknamed Sniper. He earned that by putting away chances presented to him,” Davids explained the player’s qualities. “Already, he has scored in the first two games, where he scored two penalties, and I’m sure he will do well.
“Devin Titus has already made an impact in the first performances; of course, I have watched the games, and he is making an impact. Of course, it helps for them to be together because it’s not so easy for South Africans to go to a country where it’s not really English-speaking.
“The number one language is Arabic, French, so having each other helps. They are part of the new attack at MAS, so they have a big void to fill after top striker Benjdida, who was the league’s top goal-scorer. He was one of the main reasons MAS Fes won the league last season. They have big boots to fill, but a good start so far; they just have to keep working hard and keep going.
“The good thing is that MAS have not changed much in terms of playing personnel. They know each other, and they have been together for seasons. What I have seen so far, they [Mabasa and Titus] have fit in very well.”
PRESSURE MOUNTS ON MABASA AND TITUS AT DEFENDING CHAMPIONS – MAS FES
With MAS Fes the Botola league reigning champions, expectations are high for them to defend their title. That pressure extends to their forwards, and the South African duo is expected to deliver goals and assists, but Davids downplays the responsibility.
“A lot of teams have changed coaches, so that definitely makes the league open. Raja Casablanca have changed coach, Wydad Casablanca have changed their coach, AS FAR Rabat have changed coach, and RS Berkane have changed,” continued Davids, who coached Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca and has deep knowledge of the Botola League.
“So all the teams that were fighting for the league last season in a five-horse race have made the league quite open. Of course, Pablo leaving MAS places all teams on equal footing. Expectations are on them to retain the title.
“The smaller teams are also putting up a string fight for the league, so I think the league is very open this season for any team to be challenging. But definitely the top five will be there in the mix fighting for the league.”
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