The Siya crew has received confirmation from Maghreb de Fès head coach Pablo Franco Martin that his admiration for Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa is long-standing and remains strong.
“I was interested in signing him when I was at AmaZulu, and now I am again. I always liked him, and I think he suits perfectly in my playing style, and he could score many goals the way we create chances,” Franco Martin told the Siya crew.
“Apart from that, I don’t know anything about negotiations between clubs or with players or about chances to sign him or not,” the coach said.
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This latest development comes amid reports linking the 28-year-old goal machine with a move to the Botola Pro League.
Mabasa has been in lethal form over the past two seasons, scoring more than 30 goals for the Buccaneers and establishing himself as one of the most feared strikers in the Betway Premiership.
As previously reported by Soccer Laduma, Mabasa’s agent Gary Cassisa confirmed interest from the Moroccan side but stressed that his client remains committed to Orlando Pirates and is eager to cement his name in the club’s history books.
“Tshegofatso Mabasa remains committed to Orlando Pirates only. He is closing in on the club’s all-time leading goalscorer record and would like to make history with the Soweto giants,” said Cassisa.
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While Franco Martin has openly expressed his desire to work with Mabasa, the Spanish coach has made it clear that he is not involved in any negotiations.
As things stand, the Buccaneers’ faithful can rest easy knowing their prolific striker’s focus remains firmly with the club, with Mabasa very much in the plans as Pirates gear up for their eagerly awaited first leg of the MTN8 semi-final clash against Mamelodi Sundowns at Orlando Stadium this Saturday.
