After an illustrious eight-year romance with the Sea Robbers, legendary striker Tshegofatso Mabasa has finally opened up about the emotional and confusing final days that led to his departure from Orlando Pirates.
The 29-year-old goal-machine, affectionately known to the Ghost as the “Sniper,” is officially a free agent following a late-season loan spell at Stellenbosch FC. Despite missing a massive chunk of the campaign, Mabasa still proved his lethal instincts by bagging seven goals across all competitions for the Winelands side.
Sitting down with Lebohang Mokoena on Soccerbeat, the lethal forward didn’t hold back when reflecting on the jarring lack of communication from the technical team that ultimately forced his exit.
The Ghosting of a Legend: “It Was Challenging Mentally”
Before securing his loan move to Stellies, Mabasa found himself frozen out of the matchday squads at Mayfair. Reflecting on that frustrating period, the striker revealed that he was left completely in the dark regarding his standing in the team.
“It was a very confusing and difficult situation for me at that time. It was challenging mentally as well, but I had to stay ready because any day I could be given an opportunity to go out and play. Nothing was really communicated to me in terms of what the next step was… It’s unfortunate that I didn’t hear anything. I wasn’t called regarding my future at the club.” — Tshegofatso Mabasa
Legacy of the “Sniper”: By the Numbers
Despite the quiet and unceremonious end to his time in Soweto, Mabasa leaves an indelible mark on the club’s modern history. With 50 goals in black and white, he officially departs Mayfair as Orlando Pirates’ second-highest goalscorer of all time.
When asked to pin down his ultimate strikes in a Buccaneers jersey, the Sniper singled out two historic moments:
- The Catalyst: His crucial strike against Hungry Lions, which sparked the unforgettable knockout run that culminated in Pirates lifting the Nedbank Cup after defeating Mamelodi Sundowns in the final.
- The Masterclass Volley: A blistering, weak-foot volley against Bidvest Wits during a chaotic 4-3 thriller at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
