Head coach Jose Riveiro has weighed in on striker Tshegofatso Mabasa's DStv Premiership's Lesley Manyathelela Golden Boot award, as Orlando Pirates played drew against SuperSport United, and revealed his 'hope' regarding Mabasa's future.
Mabasa scored his 16th goal of the season to open the scoring for The Buccaneers against Matsatsana at Orlando Stadium on Saturday. Trevor Moralo found the equalizer in the second half to end the tie at a point each.
READ | Pirates warned over selling Mabasa to Sundowns
Having spent the first part of the season on loan at Moroka Swallows, Mabasa scored six league goals between August and December 2023. He added 10 more when returned to Pirates in February.
The 27-year-old's scoring exploits have not gone unnoticed by the footballing community and the striker has been linked with a move away from The Buccaneers, with interest from rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and from abroad.
Tshegofatso Mabasa in the #DStvPrem for Pirates since his return:
— SuperSport Football ?? (@SSFootball) May 9, 2024
?? vs Chiefs
? vs Sekhukhune
??? vs Arrows
? vs AmaZulu
?? vs Cape Town City
?? vs Chippa United
????'?????????? ???????????????? ??@SamsungSA pic.twitter.com/H9CQZ1cnYw
However, speaking at the post-match press conference, Riveiro hailed Mabasa's contribution and alluded to a desire to keep hold of the striker beyond season.
"With Mabasa I think it meant more than the goals," Riveiro said.
"Like I have said several times, He has had a really good impact with the group. [He is] contributing in every moment of the game, in defending, in attacking, in set pieces, he was a very important player for us in the second part of the season.
"Always available for selection and he is now getting the reward for the hard work that he was putting in the other half of the season at [Moroka] Swallows.
"Overall, A really good season for him and hopefully, he can replicate these types of performances in the future for us, here at Pirates.
ALSO READ | 'When I had no money to go to training, Khune was there
Overall, Mabasa scored an impressive 19 goals across all competitions from 32 appearances and will likely have a chance to add to that tally when Pirates take on Mamelodi Sundowns in the final of the Nedbank Cup on 1 June.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
Click HERE to register!