The Orlando Pirates striker, who is close to becoming the club's all-time top scorer, has revealed one of the players who inspired him the most before making it as a professional.
By scoring the hat-trick against Baroka FC in the Nedbank Cup last 16 at Orlando Stadium over the weekend, Tshegofatso Mabasa overtook the late Lesley Manyathela, taking his tally of goals for the Buccaneers to 44. He is closing in on all-time top scorer Benedict Vilakazi, who netted 58 goals for the Buccaneers, according to the club's website.
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The striker Mabasa grew up admiring is Manyathela, who passed away in 2003 after a SAA Supa8 clash against Jomo Cosmos. Like Manyathela, Mabasa has been prolific in front of goal for the Buccaneers and is determined to leave a lasting legacy with the Soweto giants.
"Off the top of my head, Lesley Manyathela, he is one player that I wish the country could have seen more of. It's just unfortunate what happened and may his soul continue to rest in peace. He was one of the best strikers this club has ever had. To be up there with him is an honour and a privilege for me. I am looking to break each and every record that I can stumble across," Mabasa said after the Nedbank Cup draw in Randburg, Johannesburg, on Monday evening.
Footballers don't always want to talk about personal achievements, but Mabasa is not shy to do so. He has the all-time top scorer in his sights and he will work hard to achieve it, while also doing his best to ensure the Buccaneers get their hands on silverware.
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"Definitely, it's something that I am looking at (the all-time top scorer record). As a striker, I pride myself on the chances that I take and the goals that I score. Being able to leave a mark and a legacy at this club will be something really great for me. And obviously being a club I supported growing up, it will really mean a lot to me," the former Bloemfontein Celtic man said.
After their comfortable victory over Baroka in the Nedbank Cup, Pirates will be back in Betway Premiership action when they take on Golden Arrows at Mpumalanga Stadium in Hammersdale on Wednesday night.
