Orlando Pirates have a wealth of talent in their squad but now might be the time to sell a few of their more valuable footballers.
Is Mabasa on his way out of Orlando Pirates?
Last season’s Golden Boot winner Tshegofatso Mabasa bagged 16 goals in the league. It would initially appear crazy to sell a player of his calibre, but if a massive offer from a wealthy suitor comes in, the Buccaneers board may think it’s the right time to sell the 28-year-old. His current deal expires in June but, according to transfermarkt, there’s a two-year extension option included. The popular website believes Mabasa’s value to be around €1.3 million, approximately R24.9 million. With rumoured interest from across Europe, the club won’t struggle to fetch a fee in this region for the talented marksman.
Makgopa vs Mabasa?
Mabasa’s rival for a place in the Bucs starting XI, Evidence Makgopa, was preferred in the recent MTN8 final win but Mabasa was picked in the shock Carling Knockout defeat to Magesi. Makgopa is four years Mabasa’s junior, making his potential future resale value far higher but now both strikers are in the wilderness for Bafana Bafana.
The MVPs at Pirates
As things stand, Nkosinathi Sibisi and Patrick Maswanganyi are the two most valuable stars at Pirates. The pair are each valued at €1.4 million, or approximately R27 million. Golden Boot holder Tshegofatso Mabasa follows closely at €1.3 million or approximately R25 million. Meanwhile, the trio of Tapelo Xoki, Deano van Rooyen and Monnapule Saleng are all valued at €1.2 million or R23 million.
Upcoming fixtures for the Sea Robbers
Meanwhile, Riveiro’s men have a trio of league encounters to prepare for in the next five weeks and they’ve also got two tasty Caf Champions League clashes on the horizon. The visit of African champions Al Ahly on 06 December is one to get in the diary. There’s also the prospect of a meeting with Bafana and former Cape Town City striker Khanyisa Mayo when Pirates go North to face Belouizdad of Algeria.
- Pirates vs Richards Bay: Tue, 05 November, 19:30
- Belouizdad vs Pirates: Tue, 26 November, kickoff time TBC
- Pirates vs Stellenbosch: Sat, 30 November, 15:30
- Gallants vs Pirates: Tue, 03 December, 19:30
- Pirates vs Al Ahly: Fri, 06 December, kickoff time TBC
Would you sell Mabasa, Bucs fans?
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