Orlando Pirates legend Albert Mahlangu gives Simphiwe Masilela permission to inherit ‘Bashin’ nickname

Albert ‘Bashin’ Mahlangu has given Simphiwe Masilela his blessing to use the nickname after the Orlando Pirates youngster impressed again in the club’s 3-0 Betway Premiership victory over TS Galaxy.

Masilela produced an outstanding display at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday, completing his performance with a goal as Pirates secured a deserved win.

The former DStv Diski Challenge player had already attracted attention after coming off the bench and troubling Mamelodi Sundowns during last weekend’s MTN8 final.

Masilela and Mahlangu also share a connection away from Orlando Pirates. Both players come from Ermelo in Mpumalanga, while Mahlangu is regarded as one of the finest footballers to have represented the club.

“The way he is coming, from today he can have my nickname,” Mahlangu, who was known for his powerful shooting during his playing career, told KickOff.

“It would make me very happy to hear him being called Simphiwe ‘Bashin’ Masilela. The way he is playing, he deserves it.”

Mahlangu said Masilela’s ability, courage and self-belief reminded him of his own approach when he first joined Pirates.

“If you look at his skill, bravery and confidence, you can see the boy is me; he reminds me a lot of myself,” he said.

“When I joined Pirates, I also didn’t show any nerves. I adapted and adjusted easily.”

Mahlangu urges Masilela to keep improving

Reflecting on his own playing style, Mahlangu said he would attack opponents whenever he received the ball, driven by a strong emotional response to the game.

“Each time I received the ball, I went straight to the opponent’s backline. Every time I received a pass, I would feel a sudden wave of passion or inspiration,” he said.

The former Pirates player also urged Masilela not to lose focus as expectations around him grow.

“In each game he plays, he must aim higher. He must always try to perform better than he did in his last game,” Mahlangu said.

“He must always raise his level; then the sky will be the limit.”

Masilela’s next opportunity to make an impact comes on Saturday, when Orlando Pirates face African Stars of Namibia in the first leg of their second preliminary round CAF Champions League tie.

The match will be played in Botswana and is scheduled to begin at 17:00.