Jose Riveiro Gives Main Reason for Tshegofatso Mabasa’s Form This Season

• Tshegofatso Mabasa scored a hat-trick for Orlando Pirates in their win over Golden Arrows
• The Buccaneers won the tie 7-2 to move up to third in the DStv Premiership table
• Pirates coach Jose Riveiro says game time has helped the striker perform well this season

Tshegofatso Mabasa was deemed surplus to requirements at Orlando Pirates in the last few seasons.

On Saturday, the 27-year-old bagged his first career hat-trick as Pirates thrashed Golden Arrows 7-1 in the DStv Premiership.

Buccaneers coach Jose Riveiro has discussed the impact of Mabasa at the club and why he is thriving this season.

The Sea Robbers were on fire as they bounced back from a frustrating draw against Golden Arrows.

Relebohile Mofokeng, Kabelo Dlamini, Karim Kimvuidi, and Sandile Mthethwa were also on the scoresheet to help the Bucs move to third in the table.

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Riveiro gave a few reasons why Mabasa is excelling in this campaign, per iDiski Times.

“Like every other player [Mabasa is the same] confidence and continuity it is key to performing, sometimes we’re not fair when we give one game in isolation, it’s not going to tell you the truth about the player,” Riveiro said at Orlando Stadium on Saturday evening."

The Spaniard added that Mabasa's run of games has helped him regain form.

“So the moment that you… first of all, if you’re playing regularly, it means that confidence is in you, from everyone around you and football form usually comes with competition. If now we speak positions like Tshego’s position, a specialist."

Mabasa is the joint top scorer in the DStv Premiership this season, along with Mamelodi Sundowns star Lucas Ribeiro, per Transfermarkt.

He has 13 goals and two assists in 23 in all competitions this season.

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Ramokgadi calls out Riveiro

Sports Brief earlier reported on former Pirates striker Bruce Ramokgadi criticising Riveiro, saying he will never lead the club to a league title.

Ramokgadi is not impressed with Riveiro's style of management. He feels the coach changes the team too much.

Riveiro questions players' attitude

Sports Brief earlier reported on Riveiro questioning his players' attitude after their painful defeat to Sekhukhune United last weekend.

The Spanish tactician said his players didn't play well throughout the match, and the opponent's goals affected their confidence.