The story behind the scenes…

Bucs forced to sell?

Pirates have shown that they are not willing to part ways with their top striker just yet. But his contract situation could see the Buccaneers considering selling the player at the right price, especially if they have a back-up plan in place. It is unclear just how much Pirates have placed on the player’s head, but it is very likely that they would want to get the highest possible price as they did when they sold Lyle Foster to Monaco back in the

2018/19 season.

Possible European switch on year in the works?

A move abroad has been in the works for well over a year. It did not materialise last year, but the possibility of it happening this time around has increased, especially with the player potentially available at a cut-fee price with just one year remaining on his deal with Pirates.

In addition to clubs from Europe, Mabasa has also attracted interest from the Saudi Arabian Pro League.

The league has become a desired destination for players and coaches in recent times as clubs in the Gulf region have shown they can compete in terms of salaries. At 27, Mabasa’s next move will be crucial, both in terms of the financial impact and his football on the field.

With the Saudis showing that they are not afraid to fork out handsomely to land top talent, perhaps a move to the Gulf could be on the cards for the Bloemfontein-born man.

Sundowns throw their name in the hat!

Despite their initial failure to secure the player’s signature in January, the Brazilians have reignited their interest in the burly centre-forward, as reported by the Siya crew.

Mabasa was previously linked with Masandawana during the last transfer window after a loan spell with Moroka Swallows in the first half of the season. Financial difficulties at Swallows affected the striker, who was supposed to return to Pirates, but Sundowns showed interest in him due to their striking crisis, which required them to sign a top South African marksman due to restrictions with their congested foreign quota.

In addition to Mabasa, Sundowns had considered Percy Tau, Khanyisa Mayo, Fagrie Lakay, and Lars Veldwijk as potential options at the time; however, they were unwilling to meet Pirates' valuation of the player.

Recent reports suggest that Sundowns are gearing up to make another move for Mabasa, with the situation slightly favouring them this time around.

It is understood that Pirates are open to negotiations with Sundowns regarding the striker, since Mabasa is in the final year of his contract. Soccer Laduma has learned that the Buccaneers exercised a two-year extension option on Mabasa's contract last year, meaning his current deal will run until June 2025.

Mabasa is no stranger to Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena, whom he worked with at Pirates. Under Mokwena’s tutelage, he scored six goals in 14 appearances and a reunion at this point cannot be ruled out.

saw many of the teams in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals rotate heavily between the first and second legs and still win their league fixtures. The difference is that those clubs have a clear idea of their ‘best XI’ or at least a regular 13 or 14 players who fight to start. In addition, Johnson may have made seven personnel changes but there were eight changes if we include positional alterations. Against Richards Bay last weekend, it was a further five changes to the starting XI. Both Rhulani Mokwena and Jose Riveiro have spoken recently about the importance of continuity in their starting XI wherever possible. For Chiefs, they’re only in one competition and should be closer to a clear “Best XI” by now. In this feature, Soccer Laduma asks what Amakhosi’s team selection criteria is and whether they should already be building for next season, and how many of their players would get into the Sundowns team.