TSHEGOFATSO MABASA SET FOR ORLANDO PIRATES EXIT

Romanian club Steaua Bucuresti are reportedly the favourites to land Orlando Pirates attacker Tshegofatso Mabasa.

The 27-year-old is in superb form for the Buccaneers, with eight goals in 10 games in all competitions since his return from Moroka Swallows in January.

Mabasa remains a target for DStv Premiership table-toppers Mamelodi Sundowns, despite a January deal falling through; but the ambitious player is said to be eyeing Champions League football for next season.

According to the player’s agent Gary Cassisa, a move to Romania is currently his client’s strongest option.

He said in the Citizen: “At this point, his decision has to be considerate of his future as a player considering his age. 

“Sundowns have the financial muscles to get him. But a chance at playing in the Champions League is not easy to resist.

“FSCB want him. They are on top in the Super Liga and are likely to be playing in the UEFA Champions League. At the moment, I’m also talking to other clubs in Europe. But the idea is to help him keep his calm until the season is over.”

Cassica added that Pirate are open to the idea of letting Mabasa go. 

He added: “The good thing is that Pirates are ready to sell and also open up space for upcoming youngsters. So we wait until the season ends.

“Initially, he was supposed to have joined Mamelodi Sundowns in January, but the move couldn’t happen. Orlando Pirates exercised their options to extend the contract, but all will be settled when the season ends.”