Agent gives clarity on Mabasa’s Pirates future

Tshegofatso Mabasa’s camp has dismissed the speculation surrounding the striker’s future at Orlando Pirates.

Owing to an injury, Mabasa has spent the better part of the 2020/21 campaign out of action. The 24-year-old had made only six league appearances in coach Josef Zinnbauer’s team, coming off the bench on all six occasions.

Since recovering from his injury, he has played twice, in the 1-0 win over Bloemfontein Celtic and the 3-0 victory against Chippa United, and is now looking to establish himself in the German mentor’s set-up.

While the injury has disrupted his season so far, speculation has been rife that Mabasa could be amongst the players to be sent on loan for next season.

Since arriving at the Buccaneers in 2019 from Bloemfontein Celtic, Mabasa has struggled to command a regular place in the starting lineups. In his first season with the Soweto giants, he came off the bench for the most part as he was utilised as an impact player.

During that season, he made a total of 22 appearances – eight from the starting eleven and 14 as a substitute – and scored seven goals in the process.

Now, with the speculation that he could be going out on loan, his representative has addressed it. Top South African agent, Jazzman Mahlakgane, dismissed any talk of a loan exit.

“There is no such, he isn’t going on loan. The boy has been injured and that’s all. He was injured, but he is now back. You can get the official comment from the club on how he is doing, but I can confirm that the boy is not going anywhere,” said Mahlakgane.