Sundowns could swoop for Orlando Pirates superstar after European glitch
Sundowns, a dominant force in South African football, have never been shy to scour the other top clubs for their best players. Two Orlando Pirates superstars are in their crosshairs.
Orlando Pirates hotshot Mabasa not moving to Europe?
According to iDiski Times FCSB has dropped their interest in Tshegofatso Mabasa. The 27-year-old striker has 13 goals in the league this term (in just 22 appearances) and is in the thick of the race for the Golden Boot. Only Stellenbosch attacker Iqraam Rayners (14) has more goals this term.
“According to information received by this publication, FCSB made a list of 12 players they were looking at, including Mabasa. However, a close source to the club confirmed that the number has been cut down and Mabasa’s name is no longer on the list. FCSB want to strengthen their team for the upcoming season, as they will be taking part in the UEFA Champions League first qualifying round after ending their nine-year trophy drought in the league,” wrote the publication.
Tshegofatso Mabasa against Crystal Lake at the Mbombela Stadium in the Nedbank Cup. Image: BackpagePix.
Sundowns love to strengthen their squad and weaken their rivals
Mamelodi Sundowns have a long history of signing stars from their rivals or bringing in the top-performing PSL players at any given time. Remember the 2011/12 season when they plundered the market for Dino Ndlovu, Hlompho Kekana, Anthony Laffor and Punch Masenamela in one window? They employed a similar strategy in 2012/13, signing Edward Manqele, Alje Schut and Tebogo Langerman. In a more recent example, Downs snapped up Thembinkosi Lorch from Pirates to strengthen their attack and weaken Pirates’ in one fell swoop. It would be foolish to rule out a move for Tshegofatso Mabasa, Patrick Maswanganyi or others in the foreseeable future.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena during the CAF Champions League against Esperance. Image: BackpagePix.
Pirates meet Chippa again
After vanquishing the Chilli Boys in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals, the two sides meet again in DStv Premiership action. The Buccaneers can go second in the table if they win and Stellenbosch loses to AmaZulu on the same night. If Stellies avoid defeat against Usuthu, they’ll remain in second place regardless of how Pirates fare. After this round of matches, both sides will have just three games remaining in their quest to qualify for the CAF Champions League. Pirates vs Chippa and Stellies vs AmaZulu kick off at 19:30 on Wednesday 8 May.
Orlando Pirates fans are expectant on Soweto Derby Day. Image: BackpagePix
Will The Sea Robbers keep hold of Mabasa beyond the end of this season?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing [email protected]. You can also send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Meanwhile, you can follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest DStv Premiership news.