Tshegofatso Mabasa reveals Chiefs, Pyramids FC and Gulf interest before Mas Fes move

Tshegofatso Mabasa says he held negotiations with several clubs, including teams linked with Kaizer Chiefs, Pyramids FC and the Gulf region, before completing his move to Moroccan side Mas Fes.

The former Orlando Pirates striker confirmed that discussions took place during the transfer window but eventually broke down because of a number of unresolved issues. He declined to identify the clubs involved, despite widespread speculation about his next destination.

Mabasa said the interest included Egyptian giants Pyramids FC, where Rulani Mokwena has since taken charge, as well as Kaizer Chiefs and clubs from the Gulf.

“There were a lot of deliberations between a couple of clubs. It’s just unfortunate I don’t want to mention names and all of that, but yes there were negotiations, things happened, a few stumbling blocks here and there,” Mabasa told iDiski Times.

Despite the number of options reportedly available to him, Mabasa insisted that Mas Fes had always been the move he wanted most.

He said the Moroccan club’s determination to complete the deal had played an important part in his decision, particularly after a prolonged period of negotiations and competition from other interested parties.

“But the obvious one for me, as I said before, has always been this one [move to Fes]. That’s why I’m saying I’m truly grateful for the effort they put in to make this deal happen, so kudos to them.

“And look, I value the opinion they have on me. It’s now up to me as a player to work hard and show they didn’t make a mistake in bringing me here.”

Mabasa has now begun a new chapter in Morocco after Mas Fes successfully secured his signature. The striker said he was grateful for the faith shown in him and acknowledged that he must now justify the club’s efforts by performing on the pitch.

His move follows weeks of uncertainty over his future, during which several clubs were linked with a possible deal. However, although negotiations were held with multiple teams, none of those discussions led to an agreement before Mas Fes emerged as his preferred option.

Mabasa’s comments also provide further detail about the transfer competition surrounding him. While he did not confirm which clubs made formal approaches, his reference to Kaizer Chiefs, Pyramids FC and Gulf-based teams reflects the range of destinations associated with him before the Moroccan side completed the signing.

The striker begins his time at Mas Fes determined to repay the club for the work it put into making the transfer happen. He said the responsibility now rests with him to work hard and demonstrate that the club was right to place its trust in him.

Mabasa was previously with Orlando Pirates and now moves into Moroccan football after a transfer process that involved several negotiations, reported interest from different regions and a number of obstacles before the final agreement was reached.

He has made clear, though, that despite the other possibilities, Mas Fes was the destination that appealed to him most throughout the process.

Story by Lorenz Kohler.