Former Real Madrid coach explains why Moroccan club is keen to sign Orlando Pirates' record-chasing striker Tshegofatso Mabasa - 'He can score many goals'

Tshegofatso Mabasa and Evidence Makgopa were the main strikers at Orlando Pirates last season, under coach Jose Riveiro.

In the concluded campaign, Mabasa played a total of 48 games across all competitions, scoring 15 goals and providing an assist in the process.

However, it seems the new coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou, is preferring Boitumelo Radiopane over Mabasa.

This season, Mabasa hasn't played in the three competitive games played by Bucs across all competitions.

The South Africa international has been heavily linked with a move to Botola Pro League side Maghreb de Fes coached by the former Real Madrid assistant coach Pablo Franco Martin.

Martin even revealed he wanted the striker during his time at AmaZulu because he is convinced of his qualities.

“I was interested in signing him when I was at AmaZulu, and now I am again," he said as quoted by Soccer Laduma.

 "I always liked him, and I think he suits perfectly in my playing style, and he could score many goals the way we create chances,” Franco Martin told the Siya crew.

“Apart from that, I don’t know anything about negotiations between clubs or with players or about chances to sign him or not,” the coach said.

On Thursday, a respected fan account, MCA_Insider posted that Rhulani Mokwena's new club MC Algers had joined the hunt for Mabasa's signature and had gone as far as agreeing personal terms with the striker. 

"Tshegofatso Mabasa has reportedly reached a personal agreement with MC Alger, coached by Rulani Mokwena," the post claimed.

"The Orlando Pirates striker recently turned down an approach from Maghreb de Fès."

"At this stage, still no agreement between the clubs."

Mabasa is a talented striker who has proven on several occasions that he can be relied on regardless of the circumstances surrounding him.

If he leaves Pirates, it means he might not achieve his target of breaking Benedict 'Tso' Vilakazi's record of 58 goals for the Buccaneers.

The 28-year-old has currently scored 47 goals for the Sea Robbers and was confident in pre-season that he would reach Vilakazi's milestone before the PSL's break for 2025 AFCON in December.