The Siya crew can today reveal that Mamelodi Sundowns had a late bid for striker Tshegofatso Mabasa declined by Orlando Pirates.
"Pirates were just not keen to sell," said an informant who spoke to Soccer Laduma on condition of anonymity.
The big marksman has since joined Soweto rivals Moroka Swallows on a season-long loan to beef up coach Steve Komphela's side following several new additions brought in by the Dube Birds.
Sundowns are always on the lookout for a forward ready to hit the ground running and one that suits the way coach Rulani Mokwena wants to play, so it is no surprise that the Bafana Bafana international was a target.
The young tactician worked closely with the Botshabelo-born star during his spell at the Buccaneers – first as an assistant to Milutin 'Micho' Sredojevic before taking over the reins when the Serbian quit abruptly at the start of the 2019/20 season.
The Soweto giants had signed Mabasa a few months earlier in July from the now-defunct Bloemfontein Celtic, and went on to feature in a total of 25 games, scoring seven goals during the campaign that was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although he was only in charge for 15 games, Mokwena trusted Mabasa to lead the line prior to being replaced by Josef Zinnbauer later.
Could Mabasa have proven himself at Sundowns? Share your views in the comments section below!
