View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Soccer Laduma (@soccer_laduma)

Login

Pirates Feeling The Effects Of Mabasa Absence?

Pirates Feeling The Effects Of Mabasa Absence?

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - OCTOBER 25: Tshegofatso Mabasa of Orlando Pirates during the Betway Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu FC at Orlando Stadium on October 25, 2024 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Alche Greeff/Gallo Images)

Orlando Pirates' decision to bench last season's Golden Boot winner, Tshegofatso Mabasa, has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike.

While the club is not having a disastrous season, their performance in the 2024/25 campaign has not reached the same heights as last year, particularly in terms of goalscoring. Mabasa's absence from the starting lineup has raised questions, especially as Pirates continue to struggle to replicate their attacking potency.

Last season, Mabasa was a standout performer, finishing as the club's top scorer with an impressive 19 goals in 33 appearances across all competitions.

His goals were a crucial part of Pirates' successful run, including their strong push in the Betway Premiership and their qualification for the CAF Champions League. However, this season, Pirates have preferred Evidence Makgopa as their main striker, leaving the 28-year-old Mabasa on the bench for significant portions of the season.

Statistically, this change in approach is not yielding the desired results, when compared to the second half of last season.

In the CAF Champions League, where Pirates are looking to ascend to the summit of continental football, the Buccaneers have won just one game in which Mabasa did not start. This alarming stat raises questions about the wisdom of sidelining a player who was pivotal in the club's attacking success just a season ago.

Read: Mokwena On Guardiola Matchup: 'You Cannot Lose'

While Makgopa has his strengths and brings a different dimension to Pirates' attack, it seems that the absence of Mabasa in the starting line-up has impacted the club's overall performance, particularly in high-stakes matches. Mabasa's natural goalscoring ability and experience are qualities that cannot be overlooked, especially in critical games, such as those in the CAF Champions League.

The question remains: Will Pirates recognise the value Mabasa brings and reinstate him as their preferred striker as the season enters its business end?

With the club still fighting on multiple fronts, including the domestic league and continental competition, it may be time to revisit the decision to bench one of their most prolific goalscorers.

Read: McCarthy Emotional About Missing Chiefs Pirates Jobs

Related tags

Comments

Top 5

Sundowns Confirm Five Exits

Jul 07, 2025 07:27 AM in Mamelodi-Sundowns

Ndlovu, Monyane & Co! How Chiefs Could Line Up

Jul 06, 2025 02:58 PM in Kaizer-Chiefs

One Week In: All Confirmed PSL Signings

Jul 08, 2025 08:32 AM in Siyagobhoza

Pirates Jet Off To Spain – But Who’s Missing The Flight?

Jul 08, 2025 02:47 PM in Orlando-Pirates

Pirates Contract Breakthrough In Saleng Talks

Jul 08, 2025 01:58 PM in Orlando-Pirates

Agent: Mosimane's Son Rea Closing In On Italian Club

Jul 08, 2025 11:43 AM in Kaizer-Chiefs

Pirates Contract Breakthrough In Saleng Talks

Jul 08, 2025 01:58 PM in Orlando-Pirates

Aziz Ki Already On His Way Out Of Wydad?

Jul 06, 2025 11:47 PM in African Football

Chiefs Admin Trolls Fans Online

Jul 08, 2025 05:45 PM in Fan Park