Orlando Pirates' Tshegofatso Mabasa hailed for his 'Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi-like mentality' after helping Bucs secure historic MTN8 trophy

Former Orlando Pirates forward Lehlohonolo Majoro has heaped praise on Tshegofatso Mabasa for his never-surrender spirit.

Mabasa's determination and hunger to achieve more have been likened to the global stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

“Tshegofatso Mabasa is another player who has a history of his own. He was the top goal scorer of the team last season and is not far from breaking Benedict Vilakazi’s record as the club’s all-time top goal scorer,” Majoro told FARPost.

"These are the players you know have the drive to do better. I listened to an interview where he said he wants to score more goals than he did last season.

"That, on its own, is a sign of a player who is not satisfied with his achievements, and those are the mentalities of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi—always challenging themselves to do better than they did in the previous season.”

Mabasa was Pirates' top scorer last season, as he netted 15 goals across all competitions.

This season, his biggest achievement was the goal he scored as the Sea Robbers downed Stellenbosch 3-0 to retain the MTN8 trophy; they became the first club to win it on four straight occasions.

Mabasa is also tipped to break Benedict 'Tso' Vilakazi's record; the retired star is Pirates' all-time top scorer with 58 goals. Mabasa is close, as he has scored 47 so far.

Although he was overlooked as the season began when Abdeslam Ouaddou preferred Boitumelo Radiopane, Mabasa has slowly fought his way back into the team.

The competition at the club is high, given that Evidence Makgopa is also an option in the attacking department.