Tshegofatso Mabasa: South African free agent striker linked with Erzurumspor FK move in Turkey

South African forward Tshegofatso Mabasa, currently without a club after leaving Orlando Pirates, is being linked with a move to Turkish Super Lig side Erzurumspor FK. The 29-year-old centre-forward is available on a free transfer following the expiry of his deal at Pirates earlier this month and has emerged as a potential attacking option for the Erzurum outfit as they assess low-cost additions to their squad.

Mabasa, a left-footed striker born in Botshabelo in South Africa’s Free State province, has spent the bulk of his career in the Premier Soccer League, where he has scored 53 goals in 184 Betway Premiership appearances. His record in domestic cup competitions is also notable, with nine goals in 18 Nedbank Cup matches, underlining his impact in knockout fixtures.

The forward enjoyed a decorated spell with Orlando Pirates, winning the South African league title in 2025-26 and lifting the Nedbank Cup in 2023-24. He was also part of the Pirates side that collected three MTN8 trophies, including back-to-back successes in 2024-25 and 2025-26, boosting his profile as an experienced performer in high-stakes games.

Mabasa’s recent career has included loan spells at Stellenbosch FC, Moroka Swallows and Sekhukhune, but his departure from Pirates at the start of July has left him free to negotiate directly with interested clubs. Erzurumspor FK are monitoring the situation as they weigh up a move for the €1.3 million-rated striker, with no agreement yet in place as the player considers his next step.