Relieved Orlando Pirates forward Tshegofatso Mabasa draws inspiration from 'the likes of Erling Haaland and Harry Kane' to score hat-trick and end goal-drought

Tshegofatso Mabasa grabbed a hat-trick as Orlando Pirates hammered AmaZulu 8-1 in a Premier Soccer League match at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday.

It was the 28-year-old's first league goal since September when he scored from the penalty spot in the 2-1 victory over Chippa United in Pirates' PSL season opener.

“It was a sense of relief because the last time I scored in the league was during the first league match of the season against Chippa United,” Mabasa said as per Times Live.

“For me to get an opportunity and get three goals against Marumo Gallants shows the amount of support I have been getting from the rest of the team. My teammates and technical team rallied behind me and I can only thank them for that.

“They showed faith in me and I am happy I could deliver for the team. Every striker wants to score goals and to walk away with three is a special feeling and it is for the team," added the former Bloemfontein Celtic man.

“It is hard to pinpoint where this camaraderie comes from but we are willing to ‘die’ for one another on the pitch. There are goals that we have set for ourselves as a team because we want to win trophies for this wonderful club. 

“The desire to score goals is what keeps me going, I watch a lot of football because I want to improve my game," he continued.

"I watch the likes of Erling Haaland and Harry Kane to see how they do things. It motivates me as a player to keep on pushing and doing more.”

The three goals scored by Mabasa catapulted him to becoming a contender in the PSL Golden Boot race.

He is now tied on four goals with Pirates teammate Evidence Makgopa and Mamelodi Sundowns' Lucas Ribeiro Costa, with each of them having two goals fewer than leader Iqraam Rayners.

Mabasa's exploits against Usuthu could see him reclaim a starting spot in the Buccaneers strikeforce where there seems to be stiff competition, especially from Makgopa and Mohau Nkota.

The Buccaneers are on the road in their next match and visit struggling Magesi on Sunday.

Mabasa might have earned himself a starting spot and would want to take advantage of Magesi's struggles to add to his league tally.