Tshegofatso Mabasa Attracts Chiefs Interest Ahead of Pirates Contract Expiry

Striker Tshegofatso Mabasa's representatives have remained tight-lipped in a time when the striker is only months away from the expiry of his contract with Orlando Pirates, a feat that encourages the ongoing speculation that the striker could be in talks for a deal. 

During the January transfer window, it was announced that Mabasa would go on loan to Stellenbosch FC for the remainder of the 2025/26 season. 

This followed a period where Mabasa was simply not getting game time at Orlando Pirates, with the new coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou, making it clear that the player simply doesn't fit his style of play or the profile needed for a striker to be successful against the opposition defenders that Pirates tend to face. 

In Ouaddou's lens, Mabasa simply did not have the physical attributes to play the high-pressing game he foresaw for Pirates. 

Also, with other strikers available at the coach's disposal, including Evidence Makgopa, Yanela Mbuthuma, Boitumelo Radiopane and Sfiso Luthuli, Mabasa found himself at the tail end of the pecking order. 

Mabasa to Kaizer Chiefs 

SportsBoom.co.za has received radio silence from those close to Mabasa, which likely suggests ongoing talks and discussions behind the scenes. 

Sources indicate that Kaizer Chiefs are seriously considering a move for Mabasa, with growing belief they could look to secure the forward on a free transfer once his contract with Orlando Pirates expires.

It’s understood the club view Mabasa as a viable option to bolster their attacking ranks ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

For Kaizer Chiefs, given the heat they are currently experiencing, having had yet another largely unsuccessful season, and having made no signings during the January transfer window, they could well be leading from the front in securing the signature of the experienced striker. 

With uncertainty surrounding the futures of co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze, the potential arrival of a new manager at the Chiefs could prove decisive in shaping the club’s transfer direction, either accelerating interest in Mabasa or steering recruitment toward a different attacking profile.

It is not entirely off the table that Pirates could yet table a new contract offer, with Mabasa having impressed in his brief cameos for Stellenbosch and potentially forcing a rethink behind the scenes.

Sundowns Interested? 

Before the striker's loan deal to Stellenbosch FC was announced earlier this year, there were also talks that Mamelodi Sundowns had shown interest. 

With his contract set to expire in June 2026, could they also come into the picture for what seems to be a highly sought-after signature? 

It remains to be seen what will transpire with Mabasa, and SportsBoom will continue to offer inside information.