Tshegofatso Mabasa has opened up on the reasoning behind his move to Moroccan giants MAS Fès, following his departure from Orlando Pirates, describing the timing of the switch as “perfect” for both himself and his new club.
The forward completed his move to the Botola Pro side in a transfer that had reportedly been in the works for some time, with Fes said to have long held an interest in bringing him to Morocco.
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Speaking to iDiski Times, Mabasa explained that while the interest from Fes wasn’t new, the timing only recently aligned for a deal to materialise.
“In terms of timing, it’s perfect for the club and for me as well – because the club is so ambitious, playing in the Champions League, we want to go all the way and win it, we want to win the league again this season, the Throne Cup, we want to win, but Fes has been after me for a while, I’ve know that,” Mabasa told this website.
“I’ve also made it known to them, maybe the timing of the move wasn’t perfect as it is now – and I really appreciate, and grateful for the effort they put in to make this happen, for both the club and player. They have shown from day one how much they wanted me at the club.
“It’s not just about the coaches who have been here but also the entire board that wanted me to be part of the club.”
A move built for ambition
Mabasa joins a Fes side with silverware on their minds this season – domestically and continentally. The club are competing in the Champions League, chasing a league title defence, and eyeing Throne Cup glory, and the striker says that ambition was a major pull factor in sealing the switch.
“This is a move that is exciting for me, a move that I felt I needed in my career right now, to be part of this exciting club, very ambitious club, it’s great and the reception over the last couple of days since I’ve been here has been truly wonderful,” he said.
A warm welcome in a football-mad nation
Since touching down in Morocco, Mabasa says he has been taken aback by just how passionately the club’s fans – and the country as a whole – have embraced him.
“Everyone stops you in the streets, welcoming you to the club, it’s not a lie when they say Morocco is a football crazy nation, it’s wonderful to see so I really can’t complain about the last 48 hours and it gets more, more excited to continue to work harder and get going for the new season to begin with my new club.”
With pre-season now his focus, Mabasa will be looking to hit the ground running as Fes prepare for what promises to be a demanding campaign across multiple fronts.
Story by Lorenz Kohler (@Lorenz_KO).
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