Has Abdeslam Ouaddou unravelled the best style that suits Tshegofatso Mabasa at Orlando Pirates? - 'He’s not that type of player'

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has discussed the playstyle that can bring the best out of his striker, Tshegofatso Mabasa.

To Ouaddou, Mabasa cannot function well in a defensive setup, as the striker needs a system that feeds him balls consistently in order to be an effective team player.

“We had to find the solutions [against Stellenbosch], and I know the quality of players I have, and I know the competence they have,” Ouaddou told the media.

“I thought we could imbalance the opponents on the sides; that’s why I made the changes to bring players with speed, and it worked. And like I told you before, I brought in Mabasa because I think he’s a player of the box," he added.

“Don’t ask him to go to defend on the side and press. He’s not that type of player. He’s a player that needs to be served and given balls because when you give him good balls, he’s very efficient.”

Mabasa and brace hero Tshepang Moremi scored the vital goals that propelled the Buccaneers to their historic fourth MTN8 trophy.

Both were second-half substitutes, and their introduction proved to be key as they helped Bucs unlock Stellenbosch for a 3-0 win in extra time at Mbombela Stadium to retain the domestic trophy.

The goal against the Maroons was Mabasa's for the 2025/26 season, and this came amid claims that Ouaddou does not see him as his first-choice striker.

Mabasa struggled for game time under Ouaddou as the season began, missing the first four matches as Boitumelo Radiopane was preferred to him.

Under Jose Riveiro, Mabasa was a regular starter and indeed was the Pirates' top scorer in the last two seasons.