Orlando Pirates' in-form striker Tshegofatso Mabasa has openly acknowledged his self-critical approach, especially regarding the scoring opportunities that come his way.
Following a standout performance where he netted twice against Cape Town City on Wednesday, Mabasa is determined to capitalize on every chance presented to him in each game.
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He recognizes the importance of sometimes passing the ball to a teammate in a better position, despite his personal ambition to convert every opportunity into a goal. His impressive double in the second half against the Citizens not only brought him within one goal of Stellenbosch FC's Iqraam Rayners but also bolstered the Buccaneers' chase for a top-two finish.
“I’m very critical of myself especially when chances start to fall to me. I want to try and bury each and every chance that comes my way and I believe that’s exactly what I did,” Mabasa told Pirates media post-match.
With the team's sights set on securing a spot in next season's CAF Champions League through a second-place finish, Mabasa is optimistic about their prospects.
“Yes, I had a few that I wasted, yes, I could’ve laid them off but it’s work in progress and hopefully we can get that second spot come end of the season,” he said.
April saw Pirates scoring a flood of goals, showcasing their prowess at a crucial juncture of the campaign and attracting significant crowds to their games. The support from the fans has been a major boost for the players, encouraging them to elevate their performance.
“We really have been appreciating the support we have been getting over the past few games. It’s not just today. I mean, all the Buccaneers are starting to turn up in numbers and this is a very important and critical time for us. So, we need them now more than ever. So, we really appreciate their support and their push out there on the field and we can only be grateful and they deserve for us to win games if they are going to turn up in numbers,” Mabasa said.
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Pirates are also vying for the Nedbank Cup, aiming to defend their title from last season. However, Chippa United stand on their way, with the match scheduled for Saturday. The Buccaneers are currently riding a five-match winning streak across all competitions, while Chippa are coming off successive defeats to AmaZulu and Swallows.
Mabasa's self-critical nature and determination to improve are key components of his and Pirates' recent success. As the team continues to push for a top-two finish and defend their Nedbank Cup title, the support from their fans and Mabasa's goal-scoring prowess will be crucial in achieving their objectives.
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