Pirates man in talks with European club, Sundowns to miss out?

Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa could be on his way to Europe if everything goes according to plan.

Mabasa is currently in talks with Romanian outfit FCSB for a possible deal that could see him link up with former Kaizer Chiefs defender Siyabonga Ngezana.

The news were confirmed by Mabasa’s agent Gary Cassisa in an interview with FarPost, who also revealed that several other clubs have also shown huge interest.

Furthermore, the Cassica said Mabasa could stay locally, adding that Mamelodi Sundowns have the financial muscles to sign him from Pirates.

This comes on the back of media reports that Sundowns are eager to sign Mabasa following his goalscoring exploits at Pirates this year.

Mabasa recalled from a loan spell with Moroka Swallows where he had already scored six goals, and he has added five more since rejoining Bucs.

What this means is that the left-footed striker is now neck-on-neck with Lucas Ribeiro Costa for the Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot award.

As things stand, Mabasa and Ribeiro Costa are tied on 11 league goals, and they are the front runners for the accolade.

Furthermore, Cassisa revealed that Pirates are prepared to cash-in on Mabasa whose contract with them expires in June 2026.

ORLANDO PIRATES READY TO CASH-IN ON MABASA

“The best advice I have given him is to put his head down and get the goals,” Cassisa told FARPost. “One goal per game will leave him with a better chance of winning the Golden Boot and also to score more and achieve the same in the Nedbank Cup.

“At this point, his decision has to be considerate of his future as a player considering his age. Sundowns have the financial muscles to get him. But a chance at playing in the Champions League is not easy to resist.”

Cassisa added: “FSCB want him. They are on top in the Super Liga and are likely to be playing in the UEFA Champions League. At the moment, I’m also talking to other clubs in Europe. But the idea is to help him keep his calm until the season is over.

“The good thing is that Pirates are ready to sell and also open up space for upcoming youngsters. So, we wait until the season ends. 

“Initially, he was supposed to have joined Mamelodi Sundowns in January, but the move couldn’t happen. Orlando Pirates exercised their options to extend the contract, but all will be settled when the season ends.”

THE RISE OF TSHEGOFATSO MABASA

Mabasa has always proven to be a prolific striker after becoming Bloemfontein Celtic’s leading No.9 before moving to Pirates.

However, the 27-year-old marksman saw his career take a nosedive soon after joining Pirates as he struggled for game time.

Mabasa was then loaned out to Sekhukhune United last season before Moroka Swallows took a risk on him at the start of the current campaign.

However, it became clear that Pirates were regretting this decision towards the end of 2023, and they revisited their contract with Swallows to have Mabasa back in January.

He’s done so well for the Sea Robbers that he now may leave for greener pastures come next season.