NEWS: Jose Riveiro hoping Tshegofatso Mabasa continues incredible Orlando Pirates form

Mabasa started the 2023/24 DStv Premiership campaign on loan at Moroka Swallows where he scored six goals for the Dube Birds in 13 appearances.

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After his blistering start, the striker was recalled from his loan spell by the Spaniard tactician as the Soweto giants struggled up front.

Mabasa’s return to Pirates proved a masterstroke as he almost immediately became a key component to the Buccaneers, scoring 10 goals in 13 matches, which saw him clinching the Golden Boot with 16 goals in total.

“He (Mabasa) had a really good impact on the group, contributing in every moment of the game, defending, attacking, and in set-pieces,” said Riveiro.

“He was a very important player for us in the second half of the season. Always available for selection and he is now getting the reward of the hard work that he was probably putting in the other half of the season at Swallows.

“So, overall a really good season for him, and hopefully he can replicate this type of performance in the future for us here at Pirates.”

The Buccaneers clinched CAF Champions League qualification after finishing as runners-up in the league with 50 points with a superior goal difference to Stellenbosch, but a huge 23 points adrift runaway leaders Sundowns.