Tshegofatso Mabasa is a professional footballer from South Africa who has made a name for himself in the Premier Soccer League. He is known for his impressive goal-scoring abilities and his versatility on the field. In this article, we will take a closer look at his player profile and biography, exploring his early life, career, playing style, and achievements.
Born on October 1, 1996, in Botshabelo, South Africa, Tshegofatso Mabasa began his football career at a young age, playing for local teams before being scouted by Orlando Pirates. He made his professional debut for the club in 2019 and has since become a key player for the team, scoring numerous goals and helping his team secure important victories.
Mabasa’s playing style is characterized by his speed, agility, and strong finishing abilities. He is equally comfortable playing as a striker or a winger, and is known for his ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. With his impressive skills and dedication to the sport, Mabasa has become one of the most promising young footballers in South Africa, and is sure to have a bright future ahead of him.
Key Takeaways
- Tshegofatso Mabasa is a professional footballer from South Africa known for his impressive goal-scoring abilities and versatility on the field.
- He began his football career at a young age and has since become a key player for Orlando Pirates.
- Mabasa’s playing style is characterized by his speed, agility, and strong finishing abilities, and he is one of the most promising young footballers in South Africa.
Early Life and Career
Youth Development
Tshegofatso Mabasa was born on October 1, 1996, in Botshabelo, South Africa. He began his football journey at a young age, playing in the youth ranks at Bloemfontein Celtic. Mabasa’s talent was evident, and he quickly rose through the ranks to become a key player in the Celtic youth setup.
Professional Debut
Mabasa made his professional debut for Bloemfontein Celtic in the 2016/2017 season. He quickly established himself as a regular in the team, scoring six goals in 23 appearances in his debut season. His performances caught the attention of Orlando Pirates, who signed him in July 2019.
Since joining Orlando Pirates, Mabasa has continued to impress. He has scored crucial goals for the team and has become a fan favorite. His performances have also earned him a call-up to the South African national team.
Overall, Mabasa’s journey from the youth ranks to becoming a key player for both Bloemfontein Celtic and Orlando Pirates has been impressive. With his talent and work ethic, he is sure to continue making a name for himself in the South African football scene.
Club Career
Statistics by Season
Tshegofatso Mabasa, a South African professional footballer, started his senior career with Free State Stars in 2015. He played for the club for three seasons, making 62 appearances and scoring 18 goals. In 2018, he joined Bloemfontein Celtic and played for them for one season. He made 25 appearances and scored 10 goals for the club.
In 2019, Mabasa signed with Orlando Pirates, one of the most successful South African clubs. He has been with the club ever since, making 53 appearances and scoring 22 goals. In the 2023/24 season, he has played 26 matches and scored 10 goals so far.
Notable Performances
Mabasa has been a consistent performer for Orlando Pirates since he joined them. In the 2020/21 season, he scored a brace against Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby, which is one of the biggest matches in South African football. In the same season, he also scored a hat-trick against Polokwane City.
In the 2022/23 season, Mabasa scored a crucial goal against Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Champions League quarterfinals, helping Orlando Pirates to progress to the semifinals.
Transfers and Contracts
Mabasa’s move from Bloemfontein Celtic to Orlando Pirates was reportedly worth R4 million. He signed a three-year contract with the club, which expires in June 2024. The contract also includes a club option for two years.
Mabasa’s performances at Orlando Pirates have reportedly attracted interest from other clubs in South Africa as well as from abroad. However, the player has not expressed any desire to leave the club and has stated that he is happy to continue playing for them.
International Career
National Team Debut
Tshegofatso Mabasa made his debut for the South African national team on 7 September 2019 in a friendly match against Madagascar. He came on as a substitute in the 74th minute and helped his team secure a 2-1 victory. Mabasa’s impressive performance in the match earned him a spot in the team’s squad for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
Tournaments and Caps
Mabasa was a part of the South African squad for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations held in Egypt. He made his tournament debut in the team’s opening match against Ivory Coast. Although South Africa lost the match 1-0, Mabasa’s performance was praised by the fans and experts alike. He went on to feature in two more matches of the tournament, against Namibia and Morocco.
As of 7 July 2023, Mabasa has earned a total of 6 caps for the national team, including his debut match. He is yet to score a goal for the team, but his performances in the matches have been promising. Mabasa will be looking to cement his place in the national team and help them achieve success in future tournaments.
Overall, Mabasa’s international career has been off to a decent start, and he has shown the potential to become a key player for the South African national team in the coming years.
Playing Style and Position
Tshegofatso Mabasa is a versatile forward who can play as a center forward or as a second striker. He is known for his quick feet, excellent dribbling skills, and ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Mabasa is also a clinical finisher who can score goals from various angles and distances.
Mabasa’s playing style is characterized by his ability to hold up the ball and bring his teammates into play. He is also a hardworking player who is not afraid to track back and defend when necessary. His physicality and aerial ability make him a threat in the box, and he is known for scoring goals with his head.
Mabasa’s preferred foot is his left, which makes him a valuable asset in attack. He is also comfortable playing with his right foot and can shoot accurately with both feet. His versatility and adaptability make him a valuable player for any team, and he has proven himself to be a key player for Orlando Pirates.
In summary, Tshegofatso Mabasa is a dynamic and versatile forward who can play in multiple positions. He is a hardworking player who is known for his quick feet, excellent dribbling skills, and clinical finishing ability. His physicality and aerial ability make him a threat in the box, and his versatility and adaptability make him a valuable player for any team.
Achievements and Awards
Tshegofatso Mabasa has had a successful career so far, and has earned several achievements and awards. Here are some of his notable accomplishments:
- In the 2019/2020 season, Mabasa was the joint top scorer in the South African Premier Soccer League, with 14 goals in 23 appearances. This achievement helped his team, Orlando Pirates, finish in third place in the league.
- Mabasa was also named the Absa Premiership Player of the Month for August 2019, after scoring four goals in three matches.
- In the 2021/2022 season, Mabasa helped Orlando Pirates win the MTN8 Cup, scoring a goal in the final against Bloemfontein Celtic. This was his first major trophy with the club.
- Mabasa was also part of the South African squad that won the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Although he did not score any goals in the tournament, he played an important role in the team’s success.
Overall, Tshegofatso Mabasa has proven himself to be a talented and accomplished player, and he will no doubt continue to achieve great things in the future.
Off the Pitch
Charity Work
Tshegofatso Mabasa is known for his philanthropic work off the pitch. He has been involved in various charitable organizations and initiatives, including the “Kick for Life” campaign, which aims to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and promote healthy living among young people in South Africa. Mabasa has also been a strong advocate for education and has donated funds to support underprivileged children in his hometown of Botshabelo.
Personal Interests
In his free time, Mabasa enjoys playing video games and watching movies. He is an avid fan of action and adventure movies, citing “The Dark Knight” as his all-time favorite. Mabasa is also a fitness enthusiast and enjoys working out regularly to maintain his physical fitness. He is a big fan of soccer and enjoys watching matches in his spare time.
Overall, Tshegofatso Mabasa is a well-rounded individual who is passionate about giving back to his community and pursuing his personal interests. His dedication to philanthropy and healthy living make him a role model for young people in South Africa and beyond.
Media Coverage and Public Perception
Tshegofatso Mabasa is widely regarded as one of the most talented young footballers in South Africa. As a result, he has received significant media coverage throughout his career.
Mabasa has been featured in numerous newspaper articles, online publications, and television broadcasts. These media outlets have praised his skills, work ethic, and dedication to the sport. They have also highlighted his impressive goal-scoring record and his ability to perform under pressure.
In addition to positive media coverage, Mabasa has also received a great deal of public attention. He has a large following on social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram, where fans regularly engage with him and share their support.
Overall, the media coverage and public perception of Tshegofatso Mabasa have been overwhelmingly positive. He is widely regarded as a rising star in South African football, and his performances on the pitch have only served to reinforce this perception.
Future Prospects and Potential
Tshegofatso Mabasa has shown great potential in his career so far, and his future prospects look bright. He has proven himself to be a skilled and versatile striker, capable of scoring goals in a variety of situations. Mabasa’s ability to find the back of the net has made him a valuable asset to his team, and he has become a key player for Orlando Pirates.
Mabasa’s technical skills and physical attributes make him a well-rounded player. He has a good first touch, is comfortable with the ball at his feet, and is able to create opportunities for himself and his teammates. Mabasa is also strong in the air, and his heading ability has led to several goals throughout his career.
In addition to his on-field abilities, Mabasa has also shown a strong work ethic and dedication to his craft. He is constantly looking to improve his game and has a positive attitude both on and off the field. These qualities suggest that Mabasa has the potential to continue developing as a player and to achieve even greater success in the future.
If Mabasa can maintain his current level of performance and continue to work on his skills, he could become one of the top strikers in South Africa. His potential has not gone unnoticed, and he has already been the subject of interest from other clubs. However, Mabasa has expressed his commitment to Orlando Pirates and has stated that he is focused on helping the team achieve its goals.
Overall, Tshegofatso Mabasa’s future prospects look promising, and he has the potential to become a top player in South Africa. With his skills, work ethic, and dedication, he could continue to make a significant impact on the game and help lead his team to success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What position does Tshegofatso Mabasa play in?
Tshegofatso Mabasa is a South African professional soccer player who plays as a forward for Orlando Pirates. His main position is center-forward.
What are Tshegofatso Mabasa’s career statistics?
As of March 20, 2024, Tshegofatso Mabasa has scored a total of 57 goals in 158 appearances across all competitions. His total G/A (goals + assists) for the current season is 16, with a goal involvement of 0.73 per 90 minutes. His non-penalty xG per 90 minutes is 0.55, which puts him in the top 98 percentile of Premier Soccer League players.
Which teams has Tshegofatso Mabasa played for?
Tshegofatso Mabasa started his professional career with Free State Stars in 2015. He then moved to Bloemfontein Celtic in 2017 before joining Orlando Pirates in 2019. He spent the first half of the 2023-2024 season on loan at Moroka Swallows before returning to Orlando Pirates.
What are the notable achievements of Tshegofatso Mabasa?
Tshegofatso Mabasa has won the Telkom Knockout Cup with Orlando Pirates in the 2019-2020 season. He was also the joint top scorer in the 2019-2020 Nedbank Cup with six goals.
How has Tshegofatso Mabasa’s performance impacted his current team?
Tshegofatso Mabasa has been a key player for Orlando Pirates since joining the club in 2019. His goals and assists have helped the team to win important matches and competitions. He has also been praised for his work rate and ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
What is Tshegofatso Mabasa’s market value and how does it compare to his peers?
As of May 17, 2024, Tshegofatso Mabasa’s market value is estimated to be ₹6.8 Cr according to Transfermarkt. This puts him in the top 10 most valuable players in the Orlando Pirates squad. His market value is also higher than many of his peers in the Premier Soccer League.
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