Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou reveals the truth behind Tshegofatso Mabasa’s ongoing absence
Despite being one of the club's top goalscorers, Tshegofatso Mabasa has struggled for regular game time at Orlando Pirates this season.
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Orlando Pirates fans across the country have had the same question since October: Where is Tshegofatso Mabasa?
Mabasa, who has been one of the club’s most consistent performers in front of goal over the past two seasons, has not been seen on a football pitch since an MTN8 Round of 16 clash against Siwelele. He has played just five times in the league and has made nine appearances all season, finding the back of the net four times. Considering that he’s not injured, his absence has left supporters baffled.
Speculation in recent weeks has suggested that his contract situation has led to a tense stand-off with the club. Mabasa’s current deal expires in June, and he will be free to speak to other clubs from next month.
Speaking to Robert Marawa on MSW, Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou addressed the question: “Where is Mabasa?”
"To be honest, many people ask me that question. First of all, I don't have any issue with Mabasa; he's a player that I love. He's a good guy. He's a good striker," Ouaddou said on MSW about the 29-year-old forward.
"But now I have a lot of strikers. I have a lot of players, and tactically, sometimes, regarding the defence I'm going to play, the team I'm going to play, I'm playing high, sometimes mid-block. My game model is very demanding,” the Moroccan continued.
"There are a lot of runs, a lot of pressing, a lot of demand in terms of fitness, and with my staff, we are choosing the players regarding the opponent that we are going to play.
"Sometimes if they leave a space behind the back four, sometimes if they build from the back, we need somebody to chase and to defend. So he had the opportunity to play.
"… But I have Evidence Makgopa, Yanele Mbuthuma, Boitumelo Radiopane, Mabasa, Sifiso Luthuli — five players for one position. And of course, sometimes some fans can feel that there is an injustice, but there is no injustice.
"It's just rules. I can play only 11 players on the pitch. If Mr [Gianni] Infantino changes the law in the next few months or next year to allow me to play 15 players on the pitch, I will be able to integrate. So, it's just a competition; it is really a competition."
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, one thing is clear: Mabasa’s situation is not a matter of conflict, but of competition and tactical preference.
Whether he forces his way back into Ouaddou’s match-day plans or seeks a fresh start elsewhere, the coming months will determine the next chapter of a striker who has delivered consistently for Pirates. For now, supporters can only wait to see whether one of the club’s top players earns another chance – or whether his absence signals a turning point in his Buccaneers career.
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