Orlando Pirates icon Benedict “Tso” Vilakazi has hailed Tshegofatso
Mabasa after the striker notched his 50th goal for the club, openly backing
him to break his long-standing Pirates scoring record.
Mabasa came off the bench in the Buccaneers’ 2-0 victory over TS Galaxy to
seal the win with a late header, reaching a personal half-century of goals
across all competitions. The milestone brings him within striking distance
of Vilakazi’s record of 58 goals, the most by any Pirates player in the PSL
era.
In an exclusive interview, Vilakazi expressed immense pride but also
frustration, arguing that Mabasa would have already surpassed his tally if
given more consistent opportunities.
“I’m very happy to see the boy. I’ve been crying for years that he should be
given regular game time,” Vilakazi said. “Just imagine – if Mabasa had been
given the same chances as other strikers at Pirates, he would have broken my
record long ago. Every time he plays, he scores or makes things happen. He
will easily surpass my record if he’s trusted to play consistently.”
The former club captain revealed he has taken a personal interest in
Mabasa’s development, even offering him specific advice after a CAF
Champions League match where the striker scored twice.
“I told him not to put himself under pressure with free-kicks or penalties.
I said, leave those and just focus on scoring goals in open play, because
that’s his gift,” Vilakazi explained. “I reminded him that he’s a natural
goal scorer, one of the best in South Africa. As long as he keeps playing,
the goals will come.”
Vilakazi’s endorsement didn’t stop there. He made a bold claim that Mabasa
is the key to Pirates achieving continental glory, placing him in an elite
category of South African finishers.
“If Pirates want to win the Champions League, they will win it with Mabasa
leading the line,” he stated. “Look at our league – there are only three
players who are always in the box: Bradley Grobler, Iqraam Rayners and
Mabasa. When the chance comes, they score. For me, if I was to select a
Pirates team today, Mabasa’s name would be the first on the list.”
Mabasa’s path has been marked by resilience, having been loaned to
Sekhukhune United and Moroka Swallows before fighting his way back into
contention at Pirates. Vilakazi believes this journey has forged a top-tier
striker.
“He came back, fought for his position and he’s still fighting. But for me,
he’s number one,” Vilakazi concluded. “I’m proud of him, I’m happy for him,
and I just want him to be given a fair chance. He deserves it.”
With only eight goals now separating him from the record, Mabasa’s growing
influence suggests it may not be long before he claims the Pirates’ PSL-era
scoring crown for himself.
