Orlando Pirates star needs six more goals to make history
The 28-year-old striker from Botshabelo, Free State, is just six goals away from equalling Benedict Vilakazi's record as Orlando Pirates' all-time leading goal-scorer.
In the meantime, Vilakazi has sent an encouraging message to the Orlando Pirates striker ahead of this weekend's season opener against Polokwane City at the Orlando Stadium. TSHEGOFATSO MABASA TO MAKE ORLANDO PIRATES HISTORY?
According to the books, Mabasa has scored 46 goals since joining the Sea Robbers from Bloemfontein Celtic in 2019. Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa in action against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership. Image: Goal
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The club's all-time goal-scoring record holder, Vilakazi, affectionately known as 'Tso,' scored 52 goals as an Orlando Pirates attacking midfielder before his departure to join Aalborg in Denmark in 2007.
1. Benedict Vilakazi – 58
2. Tshegofatso Mabasa – 46
3. Lesley Manyathela – 41
4. Phumlani Mkhize – 41
5. Denis Lota – 39
6. Andries Sebola – 38
7. Sibusiso Zuma – 37
8. Steve Lekoelea – 36
9. Thembinkosi Lorch – 34
10. Kermit Erasmus – 34.
'Boy, don't give up, continue to work hard,' Vilakazi said in a message to Mabasa as quoted by Kick Off . 'Yes, I've seen in some pre-season games that you were not that featured like other strikers. Benedict Vilakazi represents Orlando Pirates against Kaizer Chiefs in the Premier Soccer League. Image: BackPagePix
'But don't give up. You know what I'm talking about. You know you went to Swallows because you didn't get game time but you did very well and came back and continued where you left off.
'For me it shows character. You can't keep a good man down. Boy they can bring 20 other strikers, I'm telling you from my heart, but I don't think they will close you down and make you not to be seen.
'You're once special player that knows the poles. So far in my eyes, at Pirates, you're the only striker where even when I'm sleeping and you say, 'Who do you want to put in as a striker?', it's always going to be you,' the Soweto-born legend concluded.
OPENING BETWAY PREMIERSHIP FIXTURES: 9 August: Sekhukhune United (Home)
12 August: Marumo Gallants (Away)
20 August: Stellenbosch FC (Home)
26 August: Orbit College FC (Home)
31 August: Chippa United (Away).
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