Orlando Pirates' legend encourages Bucs' striker amid uncertain future - 'Don't give up, they can bring 20 strikers but cannot close down on you'

Orlando Pirates' legend Benedict 'Tso' Vilakazi has encouraged striker Tshegofatso Mabasa to keep fighting after more forwards were signed by Bucs.

Despite facing the challenges of being snubbed at Pirates, Tso believes Mabasa is a top striker at the club and one who cannot be ignored.

"Boy, don't give up; continue to work hard. Yes, I've seen in some pre-season games that you were not that featured like other strikers," Vilakazi told the Omniaudioafrica YouTube Channel. 

"But don't give up. You know what I'm talking about. You know you went to Swallows because you didn't get game time, but you did very well and came back and continued where you left off. For me, it shows character," he added.

"You can't keep a good man down. Boy, they can bring 20 other strikers, I'm telling you from my heart, but I don't think they will close you down and make you not be seen. You're a once-special player who knows the poles."

"So far in my eyes, at Pirates, you're the only striker where even when I'm sleeping and you say, 'Who do you want to put in as a striker?' It's always going to be you."

Under Jose Riveiro, Mabasa was always a second-choice striker, as the Spaniard preferred Evidence Makgopa.

This tendency looks to go on, as Mabasa had limited engagement during Pirates' pre-season trip in Spain. Abdeslam Ouaddou featured new signing Yanela Mbuthuma and Boitumelo Radiopane more than Mabasa.

The 28-year-old only played against Bolton Wanderers and did not feature against Pafos, Las Palmas, and Granada.

As the stiff competition grows at the club, Mabasa can only pull up his socks and show Ouaddou that indeed he has something he can offer and thus should not be overlooked.

Given that Pirates will engage in multiple competitions next season again, Ouaddou will need a fully fit squad with everyone available. This could also offer Mabasa a chance to feature and hopefully deliver to stamp his authority in the squad.