Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro praised the swift adaptation of Tshegofatso Mabasa to his style of play after the striker scored a brace in their 4-0 win over Hungry Lions in the Nedbank Cup Round of 16 on Saturday.
Having returned from a short-lived loan spell at Moroka Swallows in January, Mabasa has scored three goals in four appearances for the Buccaneers.
Riveiro had sanctioned Mabasa’s loan to Sekhukhune United in the 2022/23 season. The loan turned to be a frustrating one for the sniper as he scored just two goals the whole season.
“He (Mabasa) fits well into what we are looking for in his position. He is a striker that can help us to play better. We all know what Tshegofatso can do inside the box, his quality, and his timing in the air. He’s very complete.
“But he is also improving playing far from the box and giving us a lot more. We don’t see the number nine as a player to finalize the action in the box and that’s it.”
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“We need a player that can help us to play better, to play the football that we want to play, to be in contact with the ball and dominate the central lane of the field. We want a striker that can create spaces for our three number 10s,” Riveiro told the media.
The Spaniard believes that scoring will help Mabasa regain his form and confidence.
“All of them (forwards) when they are on the field have a difficult job to do. And so far Tshego is doing well, it is good for him and the team because he’s finding the net, which is important for a number nine,” Riveiro noted.
Mabasa is tied on three goals with SuperSport United’s Shandre Campbell in the Nedbank Cup golden boot race.
