Orlando Pirates’ Decision to Bench Tshegofatso Mabasa Sparks Debate

Orlando Pirates’ decision to bench Tshegofatso Mabasa, last season’s Golden Boot winner, has sparked significant debate among fans and analysts. While the team’s current season has not been disastrous, their performance in the 2024/25 campaign has yet to match the heights of last year, particularly in terms of goalscoring. Mabasa’s absence from the starting lineup has raised questions, especially as Pirates continue to struggle to replicate their attacking potency.

Mabasa was a standout performer last season, finishing as the club’s top scorer with an impressive 19 goals in 33 appearances across all competitions. His goals were integral to Pirates’ success, helping the team secure a strong position in the Betway Premiership and earn qualification for the CAF Champions League. However, this season, Pirates have opted to start Evidence Makgopa as their primary striker, leaving the 28-year-old Mabasa on the bench for much of the season.

From a statistical perspective, this change in approach has not yielded the desired results, particularly when compared to the second half of last season. In the CAF Champions League, where Pirates are aiming for continental glory, the team has won just one match without Mabasa in the starting lineup. This concerning stat raises questions about the wisdom of sidelining a player who was pivotal to the club’s attacking success just a season ago.

While Makgopa offers a different style of play and strengths to Pirates’ attack, it is clear that the absence of Mabasa in the starting XI has had a noticeable impact on the team’s performance, particularly in crucial matches. Mabasa’s natural goalscoring ability and wealth of experience are valuable assets that cannot be ignored, especially in high-stakes games like those in the CAF Champions League.

As the season progresses and Pirates continue their battle on multiple fronts, including the domestic league and continental competition, the question remains: will the club recognise the value Mabasa brings and reinstate him as their first-choice striker? It may be time for the Buccaneers to revisit their decision and consider the role one of their most prolific goalscorers can play in ensuring the team’s success moving forward.