Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa says he was keen to return to the Buccaneers and prove himself after being loaned to Moroka Swallows during the first half of the season.
Mabasa, 27, joined Pirates in 2018 but had somewhat fallen down the pecking order and was loaned out to Sekhukhune United last season and Swallows in the first half of 2023/24.
However, he’s received a new lease of life at Bucs after returning in the January window after netting six goals during the first half. After starting his first game since his return, Mabasa opened up on his homecoming.
“Yes, one thing I’ve admired about this club is the real togetherness,” he replied when as if he wanted to return.
“Looking from the outside and to be a part of it is something that I’ve always longed for. It reminds me of what Bloemfontein Celtic was, that sense of togetherness, that brotherhood and that is exactly what we have in this team.
“And I can see why they managed to win the Nedbank Cup last season and MTN8, as well as the MTN8 again this season.
“Look I’ve always wanted to be an important [part of] this club, I mean, growing up I supported this club, and I’ll do my everything to be a part of this club.”
Mabasa, who netted his first goal back at Pirates in the Nedbank Cup against Crystal Lake, also addressed how he overcame the disappointment of being loaned out twice, attributing his mental strength and more maturity to his improved form.
“I think I can attribute that to my mentality, as a player and as a person. You know, the experiences that I’ve been through previously at school, about being at Pirates before,” he added.
“The more you go through these things the stronger. I believe I’ve become a lot stronger than I was when I was at Pirates, mentally especially.
“I’ve been working on myself physically and emotionally because these are important elements and factors that you need to be good at in order for you to deliver on a weekly basis for the club.
“Your mentality is very key in every situation that you come across. Obviously, I was a bit disappointed when being sent out on loan.
“But look, I didn’t look down and pick my head up. And I said, ‘look, this is another chance to prove myself and to prove what I’m capable of’ and I believe that I’ve done that in the first half of the season. Hopefully, I can continue in the second half and deliver for the mighty Buccaneers.”
