Championship giants Sunderland join the race for PSL top scorer, according to Soccer Laduma.
Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa has attracted serious interest, a source has revealed. With transfer rumours heating up, the former Premier League side appears to be eyeing a potential move for the 28-year-old goal poacher.
This development follows earlier reports suggesting a Championship club had shown interest in Mabasa. Now, insider information confirms that Sunderland is the team tracking the striker.
Inside the scouting mission of Sunderland’s interest
A source close to both Pirates and Mabasa provided insight into how Sunderland’s interest came to light.
“It’s the same club interested in another Pirates player, Thalente Mbatha. It’s believed that when the scouts came to look at Mbatha they were also happy with Mabasa and they had to assess him further in other games and apparently they were happy and they have enquired about him. So, Sunderland are the club interested in Tshegofatso Mabasa,” the source explained.
This dual interest in both Pirates stars suggests Sunderland scouts saw more than they expected during their talent search.
UK work permit could be Mabasa’s biggest hurdle
While Sunderland has reportedly made initial inquiries, Mabasa’s lack of recent Bafana Bafana appearances could complicate his potential move to England.
“The interest is there. There has been an inquiry but the lack of national team caps could work against him. You know in the UK you should play a certain number of national team games for you to qualify for their work permit and other things. It’s apparently true, the interest is there from Sunderland but will he qualify for that? That’s where the problem could be,” the source warned.
To play professional football in the UK, foreign players need an International Sportsperson visa, which requires both a Governing Body Endorsement (GBE) from The FA and sponsorship from a licensed club. Without sufficient national team appearances, players often struggle to meet those criteria.
Mabasa’s goal scoring record still turning heads
Despite the work permit concern, Mabasa’s form remains a strong selling point. Last season, he led the South African top-flight scoring charts with 16 goals. This season, he’s already netted five goals in 18 appearances.
Although he only has two national team caps for Bafana Bafana, his consistent club performances may still give Sunderland enough reason to pursue him further.
With Sunderland monitoring both Thalente Mbatha and Tshegofatso Mabasa, and Mabasa proving himself as one of the PSL’s top finishers, the next transfer window could bring major changes for the Buccaneers’ frontline.
Stay tuned with The South African as Championship giants Sunderland join the race for PSL top scorer.
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