Orlando Pirates Coach Jose Riveiro Discusses Importance of Tshegofatso Mabasa

• Tshegofatso Mabasa is having his best season in the PSL
• He is currently the leading scorer in the DStv Premiership
• Orlando Pirates coach, Jose Riveiro, has lauded the striker

Tshegofatso Mabasa has been thriving of late in an Orlando Pirates shirt.

He was considered surplus to requirements at the club a few seasons ago and was loaned out several times.

Pirates coach, Jose Riveiro, is happy Mabasa has grown into the number nine role and become a key piece in his team.

The 27-year-old is having a breakout season at the club. He has been scoring for fun this season after returning to the club in January following his loan spell at Moroka Swallows.

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This season, he has scored 11 goals in 20 DStv Premiership games for Swallows and Buccaneers, per Transfermarkt.

Riveiro has applauded his contributions to the team, highlighting the vital role he plays in the system and describing him as an important piece in the team structure.

"I’m happy when the players, especially the forwards, are delivering goals, but especially when getting the responsibilities in the [final third], constantly offering us other options and possibilities for the other players that are playing around him," Riveiro said via iDiski Times.

"For our number 10s, midfielders, players… [Mabasa] is helping us to be aggressive in our pressing; he’s the first defender in our team," the Pirates boss added.

Pirates are third in the table with 40 points from 24 matches. They are 13 points behind leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns.

Riveriro on Pirates' ambition

Sports Brief earlier reported on Riveiro explaining his ambition as Pirates head coach. The Spaniard stressed the importance of patience and trusting the process instead of quick results.

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He has been the coach since 2022 but has yet to bring the PSL title to the club. Last season, they finished second in the table and are looking for a first league title since the 2011/12 season.

Pirates legend calls out Riveiro

Sports Brief earlier reported on ex-Pirates striker, Bruce Ramokgadi, slamming Riveiro, saying the Bucs coach will never lead the club to a league title.

Ramokgadi is unimpressed with Riveiro's style of management. He feels the Spanish tactician changes the team too much to be consistent challengers.