Orlando Pirates Legend Explains Why Mabasa Deserves a Starting Spot Over Makgopa
- An Orlando Pirates legend has explained why Tshegofatso Mabasa is well-suited to play for the Premier Soccer League giants compared to Makgopa
- The Sea Robbers icon believes Mabasa's goalscoring prowess makes him a better striker than ever-present Makgopa in the Bafana Bafana team
- Fans also shared their thoughts on why Mabasa should be in Hugo Broos' Bafana Bafana side
An Orlando Pirates legend has come out to explain why Tshegofatso Mabasa would be better suited for the Sea Robbers compared to his teammate Evidence Makgopa.
Source: Getty Images
Mabasa failed to make Hugo Broos' final 23-man squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda, but Makgopa made the list after Mamelodi Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners withdrew from the team due to injury.
Makgopa has always been ahead of Mabasa both at Orlando Pirates and in the national team, despite the latter being more proficient in front of goal.
The Sea Robbers' newly appointed coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou, has also favoured Makgopa more in his starting line-up, with Mabasa mostly coming on as a substitute.
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Despite all these challenges, Mabasa continues to deliver in front of goal for Orlando Pirates, and he's edging closer to becoming the Soweto giants' all-time highest goalscorer.
Pirates legend on Mabasa vs Makgopa
After Makgopa thrived under former coach Jose Riveiro’s football model, Orlando Pirates legend Benedict “Tso” Vilakazi believes the system introduced by new coach Ouaddou, which emphasises pace and quick transitions into the final third, is better suited to Mabasa’s style of play.
Vilakazi believes Makgopa’s style doesn’t quite fit the Buccaneers’ current attacking setup under coach Ouaddou.
Speaking on OmniaudioAfrica’s YouTube channel, Vilakazi said the team’s front line, featuring Oswin Appollis on the left, Tshepang Moremi on the right, and Relebohile Mofokeng behind the striker, is already packed with pace and creativity.
Source: Getty Images
“How Pirates are playing, I don’t think they need Makgopa in that striking force,” he explained. “They just need a striker who stays in the box, and that player is Mabasa. Pirates don’t need a forward making wide runs like Makgopa does because they already have players with speed and skill in Appollis, Moremi, and Mofokeng. All they need is someone to finish in the box. There’s nothing wrong with playing Makgopa, but he must stay in the box.”
Here is what the fans are saying about the Mabasa and Makgopa issue.
Joseph Bertrand said:
"It's in games like yesterday that I really miss Mabasa for Bafana Bafana. Anyway we move and continue supporting the boys all the way. Tuesday could be one of SA's biggest matches in its soccer history. Let's win this, @BafanaBafana."
Constitution_94 wrote:
"Dear Hugo Broos, Swallow your pride and call these two to fill up the gap left by Mbokazi & Lyle Foster. Tshegofatso Mabasa and Lebone Seema. Lyle Foster and Nkota will not help us."
Lesiba Kolotsi shared:
"We needed Tito today.If there is no Zwane you must play Toto.Bafana is not like Pirates he doesn’t need to go deep and collect.Because bo Nduli only know how to defend.He should have also called Mabasa instead of Makgopa."
JuddeRo reacted:
"Off the field Bafana Bafana is at this situation coz of safa poor inadequate management. On the field it is the arrogance of Mr-Know-It-All Hugo Broos - Grobbler and Mabasa are available yet you choose Evidence Makgopa!"
Simz95_Magolide added:
"Tshegofatso Mabasa needs to be given a fair chance for Bafana Bafana."
Ouaddou comments on Mofokeng's injury
Briefly News also reported that Ouaddou commented on Relebohile Mofokeng's injury against Siwelele FC in the Carling Knockout Cup.
The Moroccan mentor provided an update about the Bafana Bafana star's injury in the match.
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Source: Briefly News
