Orlando Pirates' decision to bench last season's Golden Boot winner, Tshegofatso Mabasa, has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike.
While the club is not having a disastrous season, their performance in the 2024/25 campaign has not reached the same heights as last year, particularly in terms of goalscoring. Mabasa's absence from the starting lineup has raised questions, especially as Pirates continue to struggle to replicate their attacking potency.
Last season, Mabasa was a standout performer, finishing as the club's top scorer with an impressive 19 goals in 33 appearances across all competitions.
His goals were a crucial part of Pirates' successful run, including their strong push in the Betway Premiership and their qualification for the CAF Champions League. However, this season, Pirates have preferred Evidence Makgopa as their main striker, leaving the 28-year-old Mabasa on the bench for significant portions of the season.
Statistically, this change in approach is not yielding the desired results, when compared to the second half of last season.
In the CAF Champions League, where Pirates are looking to ascend to the summit of continental football, the Buccaneers have won just one game in which Mabasa did not start. This alarming stat raises questions about the wisdom of sidelining a player who was pivotal in the club's attacking success just a season ago.
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While Makgopa has his strengths and brings a different dimension to Pirates' attack, it seems that the absence of Mabasa in the starting line-up has impacted the club's overall performance, particularly in high-stakes matches. Mabasa's natural goalscoring ability and experience are qualities that cannot be overlooked, especially in critical games, such as those in the CAF Champions League.
The question remains: Will Pirates recognise the value Mabasa brings and reinstate him as their preferred striker as the season enters its business end?
With the club still fighting on multiple fronts, including the domestic league and continental competition, it may be time to revisit the decision to bench one of their most prolific goalscorers.
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