Former Maghreb de Fes coach reveals how he helped secure Tshegofatso Mabasa transfer

Former Maghreb de Fes head coach Pablo Franco Martin says he was responsible for first recommending Tshegofatso Mabasa to the Moroccan champions, who have now signed the South African striker after pursuing him for more than a year.

Mabasa travelled to Morocco over the weekend with his representative to finalise the move after becoming a free agent. The 29-year-old’s contract with Orlando Pirates expired after he spent the second half of last season on loan at Stellenbosch FC.

The transfer marks the latest stage in a pursuit that began during Franco Martin’s time in charge of Maghreb de Fes. The Spanish coach publicly confirmed last year that the club had been interested in Mabasa, but has now explained that he played a central role in introducing the forward to the club.

“I was the one introducing Mabasa to them last season because they didn’t even know about him. I talked highly of him, pushed to get him on board and the club made a big offer to Pirates, but in the end the player decided to stay in South Africa,” Franco Martin told the Siya crew.

Maghreb de Fes were prepared to make a significant offer for Mabasa during his spell at Orlando Pirates, but the player ultimately chose to remain in South Africa at that stage.

The club returned to the possibility of signing him before the end of last season. Franco Martin said that, shortly before his departure, officials again asked for his view on whether Mabasa should be targeted as a replacement for Soufiane Benjedida.

“Just before ending the season the club asked me if we should go again for him to replace Soufiane Benjedida.”

Franco Martin did not remain at Maghreb de Fes after the conclusion of the campaign, having chosen not to accept an offer to extend his contract. However, the club continued with its interest in Mabasa despite the coach’s departure.

“Even when I decided not to accept the offer to extend the contract from MAS, they still targeted him, so that shows how much they trust me and the good relationship we have.”

The former coach believes that the continued pursuit of Mabasa reflects the confidence Maghreb de Fes still has in his assessment of players, as well as the relationship he built with the club during his time there.

Mabasa will now begin a new chapter in Morocco after leaving Orlando Pirates and completing his move to the Botola Pro League champions. He will hope the switch provides the fresh start he has been seeking.

His new club are set to compete in both the Botola Pro League and the CAF Champions League this season, giving Mabasa the opportunity to play domestic and continental football with Maghreb de Fes.

Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix