Orlando Pirates set to profit from star player sale.
Pirates boast a rich roster of talent, but now could be the prime moment to offload some valuable assets. Tshegofatso Mabasa, the club’s 28-year-old striker and last season’s Golden Boot winner, stands out as a potential high-value sale. With an impressive tally of 16 goals in the league last season, parting ways with Mabasa might seem unthinkable. However, if a lucrative offer comes from a wealthy club, the Pirates’ board might decide it’s the perfect time to sell.
Mabasa’s current contract runs until June, but a two-year extension option exists. The site Transfermarkt, estimates his market value at approximately €1.3 million, or R24.9 million. With European clubs rumoured to show interest, Pirates can expect to receive a fee close to this figure for their talented forward.
Competition heating up: Mabasa vs. Makgopa
Head coach José Riveiro faces a dilemma between choosing Mabasa and his rival for a starting position, Evidence Makgopa. In the recent MTN8 final victory, Riveiro opted for Makgopa, while Mabasa featured in the surprising Carling Knockout defeat to Magesi. At just 24 years old, Makgopa’s younger age means his potential resale value could be significantly higher, adding complexity to the striker situation as both players find themselves on the fringes of the national team, Bafana Bafana.
Defensive lapses cost Pirates: Khanye’s analysis
In a related twist, former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye highlights the critical absence of centre-back Olisa Ndah and midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi during Pirates’ unexpected 3-2 defeat to Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout Cup. Magesi raced to a 3-0 lead in the first half, and despite a late Pirates surge, including a disallowed stoppage-time goal, the Buccaneers exited the tournament for the second consecutive season at this stage.
Khanye pinpointed Ndah’s tibia fracture sustained in a previous match against Polokwane City as a significant loss. He also noted that Maswanganyi, who began the match on the bench, could have made a difference. “Two vital positions at Orlando Pirates today played a major role; the one being Ndah’s and the second being Tito Maswanganyi,” Khanye stated on iDiski TV.
Leadership and tactical shortcomings
Khanye emphasised Ndah’s leadership qualities and defensive skills, which can mask the weaknesses of his partners. “He is one of the best, special in terms of communication and reading the game,” Khanye added. “It doesn’t even matter who he is partnering with; Ndah covers them.”
He further elaborated on Maswanganyi’s impact in midfield, describing him as a “dictator” who excels in decision-making. “You don’t see any player better than him at Orlando Pirates,” he claimed, stressing how both players are crucial for the team’s success.
Khanye concluded by pointing out that Magesi effectively stifled Pirates’ attacking options, attributing their success to tactical discipline. “They didn’t have a plan to go behind Orlando Pirates’ defence, but the last 15 minutes they capitalised because Pirates’ wing-backs were moving forward without any plan.”
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