Tshegofatso Mabasa: Orlando Pirates Can Walk With Pride After Progressive Season

Despite once again finishing as runners-up in the Betway Premiership, Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa believes the Buccaneers have plenty to be proud of this season. With two games remaining that won’t alter their second-place standing, Mabasa insists that the team’s progress, resilience, and achievements are enough to carry forward with heads held high.

Orlando Pirates currently trail Mamelodi Sundowns, the 2024/25 champions, by a margin that could be reduced to just eight points if Pirates win their final two fixtures. While the gap remains, it is a marked improvement from previous seasons—23 points behind last term and 16 in the campaign before that, which was head coach Jose Riveiro’s debut season at the club.

“Sometimes I beg to differ,” Mabasa responded when asked about the perceived gap between Pirates and the title winners. “I believe that we have done very well this season in the league, as there are records that we have broken for the club.”

Mabasa acknowledged Sundowns’ consistency and dominance but highlighted that such a high standard has pushed Pirates to perform at their peak throughout the season.

“It is difficult competing against a team like that, a team that is always on their A-game, because it also requires us to be always on our A-game,” he said. “I’m just glad that we have managed to achieve the things that we have this season.”

One of the key milestones for Pirates is securing a return to the CAF Champions League, something Mabasa views as both a symbol of progress and a vital learning curve.

“We are back in the Champions League again for another season and next season we go again. It will be no different to this season,” he noted. “The Champions League has made us stronger as a group and managed to unite us, especially after the heartbreak in Egypt. That experience will live long in the memory.”

Pirates’ journey in continental competition brought them closer as a team and reinforced their ambition to chase silverware in all fronts next season. Mabasa believes that the growth they’ve shown should not be underestimated.

“Next season, we go again and push with all the lessons learnt from this season. We want to go out and win every competition that we compete in.”

As for the two remaining league fixtures, Mabasa stressed the importance of finishing strong and maintaining professionalism.

“At the end of the day, we are still professional players and have a job to do, and that is to win games,” he said. “Every game matters. Even in the remaining games, it will be no different. We want to go out there, perform to the best of our abilities, and get all three points.”

Speaking at a Rudy Project event in Bryanston on Wednesday evening, Mabasa reflected on a campaign of small victories and major steps forward. While the title remains elusive, the spirit within the Orlando Pirates camp suggests a club that is building something stronger with every passing season.