Orlando Pirates have a wealth of talent in their squad but now might be the time to sell a few of their more valuable assets.
Mabasa’s value has peaked
Last season’s Golden Boot winner Tshegofatso Mabasa bagged 16 goals in the league. It would initially appear crazy to sell a player of his calibre, but if a massive offer from a wealthy suitor comes in, the Buccaneers board may think it’s the right time to sell the 28-year-old. His current deal expires in June but, according to transfermarkt, there’s a two-year extension option included. The popular website believes Mabasa’s value to be around €1.3 million, approximately R24.9 million. With rumoured interest from across Europe, the club won’t struggle to fetch a fee in this region for the talented marksman.
Riveiro can’t seem to choose between Mabasa and Makgopa
Mabasa’s rival for a place in the Bucs starting XI, Evidence Makgopa, was preferred in the recent MTN8 final win but Mabasa was picked in the shock Carling Knockout defeat to Magesi. Makgopa is four years Mabasa’s junior, making his potential future resale value far higher but now both strikers are in the wilderness for Bafana Bafana.
Bafana contingent at Pirates
Even with Thalente Mbatha missing the two recent clashes with Congo, Hugo Broos will lean heavily on the Orlando Pirates players in his squad. Sipho Chaine is a strong backup goalkeeping option although he started against South Sudan. Talented 24-year-old operator Thabiso Sesane is enjoying a storming start to the season in the centre of defence for the Buccaneers and is now a viable option for his country too. Teenager Mofokeng will be a star for club and country for many years and there’s also the option of talented left-footed Patrick Maswanganyi. Central defender Nkosinathi Sibisi will also fancy his chances of forcing his way back into the Bafana side if he can do so for Pirates. New signing Deano van Rooyen will also be a candidate for the right-back slot for Bafana before long.
Would you sell Mabasa before Makgopa if you were making the decision, Bucs fans?
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