Tshegofatso Mabasa: Orlando Pirates striker says being dropped was ‘very confusing’

Tshegofatso Mabasa has described his loss of a starting place at Orlando Pirates as “a very confusing period”, insisting he believed he was still contributing despite concerns reportedly being raised about his work rate and pressing.

The striker’s playing time at Pirates declined before he was sent on loan to Stellenbosch. At the time, reports suggested his performances without the ball, particularly his pressing, had contributed to him falling down the pecking order.

However, speaking exclusively to iDiski Times, Mabasa rejected that explanation and said he felt his output for the team remained strong.

“It was a very confusing period for me, I won’t lie… For me, I felt I was still delivering, regardless of whatever is happening off the ball, I was delivering,” Mabasa said.

The 29-year-old also defended his defensive work, arguing that his approach had not changed from previous seasons. He referred specifically to the period when Jose was in charge and said he had been expected to press then as well.

“Even in the actions where it’s off the ball, it’s not like I wasn’t pressing, it was the same I could say for maybe two seasons back, when coach Jose was there, we also had to press at the time and I was pressing.

“So why now is it a different story? Hence why I saw it was a very confusing period for me, but I had to remain strong, confident in my abilities and continue to show up whether it’s in training or in friendlies, which I believe I did, I did my part.

“It’s just unfortunate my opportunity never came again in the season.”

Mabasa said he relied on his confidence and continued commitment to work through the setback. Rather than allowing his situation at Orlando Pirates to lower his standards, he chose to keep training and performing in friendly matches while waiting for another opportunity.

That opportunity at Pirates did not arrive before the end of the season, and he was eventually loaned to Stellenbosch. Mabasa has previously credited that spell with helping prepare him for his next move to Fes.

His comments provide a candid account of a difficult period in his career, during which he felt there was a gap between his own assessment of his performances and the reasons being associated with his limited involvement.

The forward’s remarks come in the context of the Betway Premiership, with Mabasa reflecting on his time at one of South Africa’s leading clubs before moving on loan. His account also underlines the uncertainty he experienced after losing his place, despite believing he was continuing to meet the team’s demands both in front of goal and without possession.

Mabasa’s interview was published by iDiski Times. The digital newspaper is available free of charge, with readers able to download it or submit a form to receive it each week.