Tshegofatso Mabasa: Orlando Pirates Coach Jose Riveiro Discusses Striker’s Loan Moves

• Orlando Pirates coach, Jose Riveiro, has discussed the loan spells of Tshegofatso Mabasa
• The Spaniard was not involved in the decision-making regarding the striker's loan moves
• Mabasa scored a hat-trick for the Bucs in their DSTv Premiership win over Golden Arrows

Orlando Pirates manager, Jose Riveiro, has shed light on the DStv Premiership club's decision to loan out Tshegofatso Mabasa in recent seasons.

Mabasa is the second-highest goal-scorer in the Premier Soccer League after his impressive hat-trick in their 7-1 victory over Golden Arrows.

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

Despite his remarkable performance, the forward spent the first half of the season on loan at Moroka Swallows, where he rekindled his scoring prowess after a less fruitful stint at Sekhukhune United last season.

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Riveiro responded thoughtfully when asked about the wisdom behind Mabasa's loan moves.

He clarified that the striker was not among the players he initially encountered upon his arrival at Pirates, stressing that he had never interacted with him until his return from Swallows.

"Okay… I have to tell the truth, when I arrived at Pirates, Tshego was not with us, this is my first time with Tshego. We had eight number nines when I put my foot in the training ground at Pirates; Tshego was not one of them," he said, as reported by iDiski Times.

Despite not being privy to the discussions surrounding the player's loan, Riveiro commended the player's current form and contribution to the team's performance.

According to Transfermarkt, Mabasa and Mamelodi Sundowns star, Lucas Ribeiro, are the joint-top scorers in the DStv Premiership this season.

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

Riveiro gives main reason for Mabasa’s form

Sports Brief also previously reported that Riveiro discussed Mabasa's impact at Orlando Pirates.

The forward was considered surplus to requirements at the Sea Robbers in the last few seasons.

However, the coach said the 27-year-old attacker's run of games has helped him regain his form.