Mabasa on how Pirates broke his heart

Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa has opened up on his loan spells with Sekhukhune United and Moroka Swallows, prior to returning to his parent club, who provided him the platform from which he scooped the Golden Boot award.

Mabasa scored 16 goals to walk away with the DStv Premiership Top Goal Scorer award, narrowly edging out Stellenbosch FC's Iqraam Rayners, who finished on 14. 

Having spent the first part of the season on loan at Moroka Swallows, Mabasa scored six league goals between August and December 2023.

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Speaking on SuperSport TV's Bucs Camp, Mabasa opened up on the disappointment of being loaned out and his special bond with Pirates.

"Coming back to the club is a feeling that one can't even describe," revealed the striker.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity that I've been given to be able to represent a club as big as this, a club that people close to me supported and I also grew up supporting this club.

"My late uncle and my late cousin have played such a big role in my career up to this far and for me to be here at this club, a club they supported as well, it means the world to me and I'm just happy that I'm able to represent this club again.

"Two seasons ago, I was loaned out to Sekhukhune United. Obviously, I was a bit disappointed at the time and I felt like I still had more to offer the team before being loaned out.

"It hurt me, but it also made me stronger and I believe it has helped me become the person I am today, especially mentally, and emotionally as well.

"So, I had that spell with Sekhukhune United, things went a bit well in the beginning and then towards the end of the season, they started to go a bit sour where one was not playing as much and contributing to the team's success at the time.

"And the funny thing is my last game for Sekhukhune United was in the Nedbank Cup final against Orlando Pirates. For us, at the time, to concede the way we did at the last minute was also a bit heartbreaking because I felt like it was a game that I took personally.  

"I wanted to prove myself and show what I could do on the field and hopefully the relevant people would be watching and taking note of that.

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"What followed after [that] was something truly remarkable and that I'll cherish forever; I went to Swallows beginning of the season. Before then, things had started off well for me in the COSAFA Cup, where I ended up as the Top Goalscorer, and then I went on to sign a loan deal with Swallows FC at the time.

"So, that's when things began to happen for me; I believe on this journey that I've been on, it has helped me grow from strength to strength."

Mabasa's current contract is set to expire at the end of June, but head coach Jose Riveiro has indicated a desire to keep the in-form striker.