Tshegofatso Mabasa of Orlando Pirates reacts in anger after having goal disallowed during the Betway Premiership 2024/25 game between Stellenbosch FC and Orlando Pirates at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on 11 March 2025
Ryan Wilkisky, Backpages
Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa has once again been left out of the Bafana Bafana squad, despite his impressive performances in the Betway Premiership.
The in-form forward had initially been included in the preliminary 37-man squad for South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin.
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However, when coach Hugo Broos announced his final 23-man squad, Mabasa’s name was missing once more.
Mabasa has been in fine form for Pirates, playing a crucial role in their title chase.
His goalscoring prowess has been evident, having finished last season as the Premiership’s top scorer with 16 goals.
This season, he has already netted 13 times in 34 matches across all competitions – keeping him well on track to make another strong finish.
The 28-year-old forward is also closing in on a significant milestone in the club’s history.
With 44 goals to his name in the PSL era, he is just 14 goals shy of surpassing Benedict Vilakazi as Pirates’ all-time leading scorer in league competition.
Despite his latest omission from the national team, Mabasa remains focused on his club performances.
He has expressed his determination to continue working hard and pushing for future opportunities.
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With his unwavering belief in perseverance and dedication, the Pirates striker is set on making his mark both at club level and, hopefully, on the international stage in the near future.
“I am just going to keep on knocking on the door, and that’s it. I have nothing else to say about that. At the end of the day, it is his (Broos’) decision, and all I can do is to continue to push hard. Nothing makes me happier than being on the pitch, (and) I am grateful for the fact that I can continue to do that, and whatever opportunities come my way, I am grateful,” said Mabasa, speaking to journalists on Thursday afternoon during Pirates’ media day ahead of the weekend’s match against Mamelodi Sundowns.
Get ready for a football spectacle like no other as the SportPesa Cup2025 takes centre stage from Friday 21 March to Sunday 23 March, at Edgemead Football Club.
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