Orlando Pirates are probably relieved that they did not sell top striker Tshegofatso Mabasa in January.
The 27-year-old was loaned to Morooka Swallows before the start of the season and scored six goals in the first half of the season. Before his transfer, he was Bafana Bafana's top scorer in last year's Cosafa Cup.
Mabasa led the Dube Birds' attack with his newfound confidence and form, once again increasing his scoring prowess. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers reportedly indicated they intended to sell the striker on a permanent transfer in January. Given Swallows' financial situation, this move is unlikely to become permanent. AmaZulu have moved to sign the Bafana Bafana forward, who has been on loan twice.
Mabasa was not initially part of Pirates manager Jose Ribeiro's plans, but fans called for the striker's recall given his achievements at Swallows. With main strikers Kermit Erasmus and Zakele Lepasa struggling to find the back of the net, Riveiro has had to rely on Evidence Makgopa.
Pirates' decision not to sell Mabasa paid off.
In January, the team decided to call up Mabasa considering the struggles up front. After his return, the former Bloemfontein Celtic continued to play without scoring a goal for the Sea Robbers.
Pirates wanted Mabasa on a permanent basis for a transfer fee of around R3.5 million, but his price could rise even higher next season.
Riveiro was full of praise for the Bafana striker, calling him perfect.
“He's a striker who is very fit and will help us play better. Not only (his finishing), we all know what 'Tshego' can do in the box, his quality. You know, it's small in the air, it's very complete, it's as close to a box as possible.
“But he is also improving his play further away from the box, which gives us a lot and improves himself and the team. As I said, he is a striker but , we are not just looking at number nine,” the Pirates coach said of Mabasa, per IOL.
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