Mabasa: Consistency is key for Bucs’ title challenge
Mihlali Baleka
Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa insists that the team needs to continuously grind out results in the Betway Premiership to clinch the title, regardless of their overall performance.
As the season progresses and the Buccaneers are tipped to make a serious challenge for the championship, Mabasa has revealed the formula necessary to realise those lofty aspirations.
This season, Pirates have enjoyed an upward trajectory. They have played 11 matches across all competitions, winning nine and drawing two.
Their achievements include defending the MTN8 cup, accomplishing an unprecedented “three-peat,” and securing their fifth trophy overall in just three seasons under the guidance of coach José Riveiro.
While Riveiro has earned a reputation as a “cup specialist,” he faces mounting pressure to deliver the league title following the team’s back-to-back bridesmaid finishes in recent seasons. Pirates seem to have mastered the art of championship contention, winning all three of their opening league fixtures since the start of the season.
However, these victories have not stemmed solely from superior performances; rather, they are a testament to the team’s unwavering spirit and never-say-die attitude that pushed them through challenging moments.
Mabasa believes that consistency and results should remain their primary focus. “The biggest things for us are to be consistent and get the results regardless of the performance that we may put out there,” he said.
“The most important thing in the league is results. And that’s what we are aiming to do together as a group. Those are the things we’ve got to do for ourselves.”
He added, “We’ll continue to work hard towards doing that. The unity between ourselves, and the belief we have in one another, hopefully, will help us to pull through … so that we go all the way.”
Riveiro’s influence on the team’s cohesion cannot be overstated. He has become a father figure, nurturing a sense of belonging and allowing his players to express themselves on the pitch.
This was evident during the MTN8 final, when he praised Mabasa after the striker came off the bench to score the second goal and assist the third in their 3-1 victory. The sentiment was shared within the squad, as Mabasa highlighted the strong bond they share.
“We are just appreciative of the human being that he is and the work that we continue to do with him. May we win more trophies with him this season.”
Notably, despite his prolific form this season, scoring four goals and assisting once in 11 games, Mabasa’s contributions have not yet earned him consistent selection for the Bafana Bafana squad. Although he made the provisional squad for the recent AFCON qualifiers against Congo Brazzaville, he did not make the final cut.
Nonetheless, the 28-year-old remains undeterred.
“It will happen. If God wants it to happen, it will happen. I just need to continue putting the ball in the back of the net,” Mabasa asserted.
“I will continue to thrive and work hard in training as well. I know that I have the support of my teammates – everyone keeps telling me to lift my head and continue to work hard.”
This weekend, however, the Pirates will shift their focus from the league to the cup as they host Magesi FC in the opening round of the Carling Knockout Cup at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm.