Orlando Pirates Striker Tshegofatso Mabasa Yet to Decide Future Amid Growing Interest

Tshegofatso Mabasa of Orlando Pirates celebrates goal during the Betway Premiership 2025/26 match between Orlando Pirates and TS Galaxy at the Orlando Stadium, Soweto on the 30 September 2025 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

The Buccaneers have opted against extending the 29-year-old forward’s contract, effectively opening the door for his free-agent departure.

Mabasa, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Stellenbosch, added to his profile with a return of five goals, but the Cape Winelands club has already decided against making his move permanent.

That has left the experienced striker weighing up his next step, with interest already beginning to build both locally and abroad.

Clubs in Turkey and Israel are reportedly monitoring his situation, while Kaizer Chiefs have also been loosely linked with a potential move for the goal-poacher.

However, Mabasa has moved quickly to shut down claims that his future has already been decided.

“That’s not true,” he told KickOff when asked about speculation of a pre-contract agreement.

READ: Orlando Pirates part ways with Mbule after one-season stint

“I have not signed with any club at the moment. I can’t comment about the teams that are interested. My agent is handling that.”

With his next move still open, Mabasa insists the final decision will only come after a full review of all offers alongside his representative.

“I will only make a decision after sitting down with him and looking at those offers. At the end, the final decision will come from my side,” he said.

Mabasa’s exit marks the end of a stop-start spell at Pirates, where he showed flashes of his finishing ability but was unable to fully cement a long-term starting role.

His previous loan spells, including stints away from Orlando Stadium, further underline a career that has often shifted between promise and searching for consistency.

Now, with free agency looming, the 2023/24 season PSL top-scorer is set to become a sought-after option in the market as clubs look to add an experienced striker ahead of the 2026/27 season.