Football is a sport of records, and every striker dreams of leaving their mark in the history books of their club. For Orlando Pirates’ Tshegofatso Mabasa, that dream is clear: he wants to become the club’s all-time leading goal-scorer. With unwavering determination and a sharp eye for goal, the 27-year-old striker has publicly declared his ambitions to surpass previous records and etch his name in Pirates’ legendary list of goal scorers.
“I’m trying to bury every chance that comes my way so I can claim that record!” Mabasa confidently stated in a recent interview. His hunger for success is evident, and with his current form, he might just achieve his goal sooner than expected.
In this detailed feature, we explore:
✔️ Mabasa’s journey to this point
✔️ His playing style and strengths
✔️ The history of Pirates’ top goal scorers
✔️ His thoughts on breaking the record
✔️ What the future holds for him at Pirates and beyond
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Mabasa’s Journey: From a Young Talent to a Goal Machine
Early Days and Rise in South African Football
Tshegofatso Mabasa was born on October 1, 1996, in Bloemfontein, South Africa. His football journey began in the youth ranks of Bloemfontein Celtic, where his natural ability as a striker quickly made him a standout player.
Mabasa’s breakthrough season came with Celtic, where he showcased his ability to score goals in the PSL (Premier Soccer League). His combination of strength, finishing ability, and movement in the box caught the attention of top clubs, and it wasn’t long before Orlando Pirates came calling.
Joining Orlando Pirates: A Dream Move
In 2019, Mabasa signed for Orlando Pirates, one of the biggest clubs in South African football. Expectations were high, but he wasted no time in making an impact. He made a flying start, scoring important goals and proving himself as a reliable option in attack.
However, his journey with the Buccaneers has not always been smooth. Injuries, competition for places, and loan spells saw him spend time away from the club, including a loan move to Sekhukhune United. But through it all, Mabasa remained focused on his ultimate goal—to return to Orlando Pirates and establish himself as their main goal scorer.
His return to the club has been spectacular, and now, with his sights set on history, he is more motivated than ever.
Mabasa’s Strengths: What Makes Him a Deadly Striker?
Every great goal scorer has key attributes that set them apart. For Tshegofatso Mabasa, his goal-scoring ability comes from a combination of factors that make him a complete striker.
1️⃣ Clinical Finishing
Mabasa has a lethal left foot and is capable of finishing chances with precision. Whether it’s a close-range tap-in or a powerful strike from outside the box, he knows how to find the back of the net.
2️⃣ Movement in the Box
A great striker is always in the right place at the right time. Mabasa’s ability to anticipate passes, lose defenders, and position himself for goal-scoring opportunities is what sets him apart.
3️⃣ Strength and Physicality
At 1.85m tall, Mabasa is a strong forward who can hold up play, win aerial duels, and battle against defenders. His physicality makes him a difficult player to mark.
4️⃣ Work Ethic and Determination
Mabasa’s biggest weapon is his hunger for goals. His desire to succeed and prove himself means that he never stops working, pressing defenders, and fighting for every ball.
The History of Orlando Pirates’ Top Goal Scorers
To break a club’s all-time goal-scoring record, a player must surpass some of the greatest names in its history. At Orlando Pirates, there have been legendary goal scorers, and Mabasa will need to continue his goal-scoring form to join this elite list.
Some of the club’s greatest strikers include:
🏆 Benedict “Tso” Vilakazi – One of Pirates’ most clinical finishers, a club legend.
🏆 Lesley Manyathela – A tragic loss to South African football, but his goal-scoring record remains iconic.
🏆 Jerry Sikhosana – The hero of the famous 1995 CAF Champions League triumph.
🏆 Happy Jele (Defender, but an iconic figure in the club’s goal-scoring history)
For Mabasa, his goal is not just to be among them but to surpass them all.
Mabasa Speaks: His Desire to Break the Record
In his recent interview, Mabasa did not hold back about his ambitions:
💬 “Every striker wants to score goals, but for me, it’s about more than just numbers. I want to be remembered as one of the greatest strikers to ever play for this club. That means breaking records and delivering trophies.”
He also spoke about the pressure of playing for a big club like Pirates:
💬 “At Pirates, the expectations are high. Fans expect you to score in every game, and that pressure can either break you or push you to another level. For me, it’s motivation. Every time I step on the pitch, I want to score.”
When asked about his biggest inspiration, Mabasa mentioned:
💬 “Growing up, I admired strikers like Lesley Manyathela and Benni McCarthy. I want to follow in their footsteps and leave a lasting legacy.”
What Does the Future Hold for Mabasa?
At just 27 years old, Mabasa is entering the prime of his career. If he continues his current form, he has the potential to:
🔹 Become Pirates’ all-time top goal scorer
🔹 Win the PSL Golden Boot
🔹 Earn a regular place in the Bafana Bafana national team
🔹 Attract interest from international clubs
However, to achieve these goals, he must stay consistent, avoid injuries, and maintain his hunger for goals.
Conclusion: Can Mabasa Break the Record?
Tshegofatso Mabasa is a striker on a mission. His determination to break Orlando Pirates’ goal-scoring record is not just a dream—it is a goal he is actively working towards.
With his natural finishing ability, work ethic, and mental strength, he has all the qualities needed to become one of the greatest strikers in the club’s history.
For now, all eyes are on him. Can he continue scoring at this rate? Can he break the record? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—Mabasa’s name will be remembered in Pirates’ history, whether he becomes the record-holder or not.
Do you think Tshegofatso Mabasa can break the record? Let us know your thoughts!
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