Tshegofatso Mabasa is a professional South African soccer player who currently plays as a forward for Orlando Pirates. Born on October 1, 1996, in Botshabelo, South Africa, Mabasa started his career with Bloemfontein Celtic before moving to Orlando Pirates in 2019. In this comprehensive player profile and biography, we will delve into Mabasa’s early life, club career, playing style, achievements, and future prospects.
Early Life and Background: Mabasa was born and raised in Botshabelo, South Africa. He grew up playing soccer with his friends and family and developed a passion for the sport at a young age. Mabasa’s talent was soon recognized by local scouts, and he was offered a place in the Bloemfontein Celtic academy.
Club Career: Mabasa made his professional debut for Bloemfontein Celtic in 2016 and quickly established himself as a promising young talent. He scored his first goal for the club in a 2-1 victory over Platinum Stars in 2017. In 2019, Mabasa signed for Orlando Pirates and has since become an integral part of the team’s attacking line-up.
Key Takeaways
- Tshegofatso Mabasa is a professional South African soccer player who currently plays as a forward for Orlando Pirates.
- Mabasa started his career with Bloemfontein Celtic before moving to Orlando Pirates in 2019.
- Mabasa’s playing style is characterized by his pace, agility, and clinical finishing in front of goal.
Early Life and Background
Tshegofatso Mabasa was born on October 1, 1996, in Botshabelo, South Africa. He grew up in a family of soccer enthusiasts, with his father and older brother both playing the sport. Mabasa’s passion for soccer started at a young age, and he began playing competitively in his hometown.
Mabasa attended Botshabelo High School, where he continued to hone his soccer skills. He was a standout player on the school’s team, and his talent did not go unnoticed. In 2014, he was scouted by Bloemfontein Celtic, one of the top soccer teams in South Africa.
After impressing during his trial period, Mabasa was offered a contract with Bloemfontein Celtic’s reserve team. He quickly rose through the ranks and was promoted to the first team in 2016. Mabasa’s performance on the field caught the attention of other teams, and he was eventually signed by Orlando Pirates in 2019.
Throughout his career, Mabasa has been known for his speed, agility, and goal-scoring ability. He has become a fan favorite among Orlando Pirates supporters and is widely regarded as one of the top young players in South Africa.
Club Career
Early Club Career
Tshegofatso Mabasa started his football career at Bloemfontein Celtic, a club based in his hometown. He played for the club’s youth teams before being promoted to the senior team. Mabasa’s time at Bloemfontein Celtic was instrumental in his development as a player, as he honed his skills and gained valuable experience playing alongside more experienced players.
Professional Debut
Mabasa made his professional debut for Bloemfontein Celtic during a Telkom Knockout encounter with AmaZulu on October 4, 2014. He continued to impress in his early appearances, which earned him his first start in the South African Premier Division in May 2015 against Free State Stars.
Rise to Prominence
Mabasa’s rise to prominence came during the 2018/2019 season when he scored 13 goals in 29 appearances for Bloemfontein Celtic. His performances caught the attention of Orlando Pirates, one of the biggest clubs in South Africa, who signed him in July 2019.
Notable Performances
Mabasa’s most notable performance came during the 2019/2020 season when he scored a hat-trick in a 3-1 victory over Chippa United. He also scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby, which is one of the biggest matches in South African football.
Transfers and Contracts
Mabasa signed a three-year contract with Orlando Pirates in July 2019, which is set to expire in June 2022. However, the club has an option to extend his contract for a further year. Despite interest from other clubs, Mabasa has expressed his commitment to Orlando Pirates and his desire to help the team win trophies.
International Career
National Team Debut
Tshegofatso Mabasa made his debut for the South African national team on August 19, 2017, during an African Nations Championship qualifier against Zambia. He had previously featured for the South Africa under-23s.
Key International Appearances
Mabasa has represented South Africa at senior level, winning several caps. He has yet to score his first international goal but has been a valuable member of the squad. One of his notable appearances was in a friendly match against Mali on October 13, 2019, where he was named man of the match.
| Date | Opponent | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 19, 2017 | Zambia | L 2-0 | African Nations Championship Qualifier |
| Oct 13, 2019 | Mali | W 2-1 | Friendly |
Mabasa’s impressive performances for Orlando Pirates have earned him a call-up to the national team on a regular basis. He has been a vital part of the team’s attack and has shown great potential. His ability to hold up the ball and bring his teammates into play has been a valuable asset for the national team.
Playing Style and Position
Tshegofatso Mabasa is a versatile player who is known for his ability to play as a striker, winger, or attacking midfielder. He is a technically gifted player who is comfortable on the ball and possesses excellent dribbling skills. Mabasa is also a strong finisher who is capable of scoring goals from a variety of positions on the field.
Mabasa’s preferred position is as a center forward, where he can use his pace and power to create space for himself and his teammates. He is a clinical finisher who is always looking to get in behind the opposition defense and create scoring opportunities for himself and his team.
Mabasa’s playing style is characterized by his ability to hold up the ball and bring his teammates into play. He is also an excellent passer of the ball and has the vision to pick out his teammates with accurate and incisive passes. Mabasa is a hard-working player who is always willing to put in a shift for his team and help out defensively when needed.
Overall, Mabasa’s playing style and versatility make him a valuable asset to any team. Whether he is playing as a striker, winger, or attacking midfielder, he has the ability to make a significant impact on the game and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Skills and Techniques
Tshegofatso Mabasa is known for his exceptional skills and techniques on the field. As a forward, he has a keen eye for goal and is able to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. One of his signature moves is his quick turn and shot, which has caught many defenders off guard.
Mabasa is also known for his ability to hold up the ball and bring his teammates into play. He has excellent ball control and is able to shield the ball from defenders while waiting for support. This has made him a valuable asset to his team, as he is able to create space and time for his teammates to make runs into the box.
In addition to his technical skills, Mabasa is also a hard worker on the field. He is constantly pressing defenders and forcing turnovers, which has led to many counter-attacking opportunities for his team. He is also a strong aerial presence, and is able to win headers in both the attacking and defensive areas of the field.
Overall, Tshegofatso Mabasa is a well-rounded player with a range of skills and techniques that make him a threat to any opposition. His ability to create scoring opportunities, hold up the ball, and work hard on both ends of the field make him a valuable asset to his team.
Achievements and Awards
Individual Honors
Tshegofatso Mabasa has had a successful career so far, earning several individual honors throughout his time in professional soccer. In the 2020/21 season, Mabasa was named the Orlando Pirates Player of the Season. He also won the Absa Premiership Goal of the Month award in December 2019 for his goal against Stellenbosch FC.
In addition, Mabasa has been recognized for his contributions to the sport off the field as well. In 2020, he was nominated for the PSL Footballer of the Season award, which is given to the best player in the South African Premier Soccer League.
Team Trophies
Mabasa has also helped lead his teams to several trophies throughout his career. In the 2018/19 season, he was part of the Bloemfontein Celtic team that won the Macufe Cup. The following season, he joined Orlando Pirates and helped them win the Telkom Knockout Cup.
Mabasa’s most recent trophy came in the 2022/23 season when he helped Orlando Pirates win the DStv Premiership. He played a crucial role in the team’s success, scoring 11 goals and providing 3 assists throughout the season.
Overall, Mabasa’s achievements and awards demonstrate his skill and dedication to the sport of soccer. As he continues his career, he will undoubtedly add to his impressive list of accomplishments.
Off-Field Contributions
Charity Work
Tshegofatso Mabasa is known for his generosity and philanthropic activities. He has been involved in several charity projects and has made significant contributions to various organizations. Mabasa has been a regular donor to the Nelson Mandela Foundation, which is dedicated to promoting social justice and equality in South Africa. He has also supported initiatives aimed at improving healthcare, education, and sports facilities in underprivileged communities.
Community Engagement
Mabasa is actively involved in community engagement programs and has been working to inspire young people to pursue their dreams. He has been a mentor to many aspiring footballers and has been instrumental in setting up football academies in several townships across the country. Mabasa has also been involved in campaigns aimed at promoting health and wellness, especially among young people.
In addition to his charity work and community engagement, Mabasa is also known for his professionalism and dedication to the sport. He has been an inspiration to many young people in South Africa and has become a role model for aspiring footballers across the country.
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Media Presence and Public Image
Tshegofatso Mabasa is a well-known figure in the South African soccer community. He has been featured in various media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, and online publications. His impressive skills on the field have earned him a positive reputation among fans and fellow players alike.
Mabasa is active on social media, with a large following on both Twitter and Instagram. He often shares pictures and updates with his fans, giving them a glimpse into his personal life. He uses his platform to promote soccer and inspire young players to pursue their dreams.
Despite his popularity, Mabasa remains humble and focused on his career. He is known for his hard work and dedication, both on and off the field. His positive attitude and strong work ethic have earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches.
In addition to his soccer career, Mabasa is also involved in various charitable organizations. He is passionate about giving back to his community and using his platform to make a difference. Mabasa is a role model for young players, both on and off the field, and his positive influence is felt throughout the South African soccer community.
Personal Life
Tshegofatso Mabasa was born on October 1, 1996, in Botshabelo, South Africa. He grew up in a football-loving family and was introduced to the sport at a young age. Mabasa’s father, who was also a footballer, played a significant role in his son’s development as a player.
Mabasa is a private individual and has not shared much about his personal life with the public. However, it is known that he is married and has a daughter. He has also mentioned in interviews that he enjoys spending time with his family when he is not playing football.
Off the field, Mabasa is known for his love of fashion and often shares pictures of his outfits on social media. He has also been involved in charitable work, including supporting the fight against gender-based violence in South Africa.
Overall, Mabasa’s personal life is characterized by his dedication to his family, his passion for fashion, and his commitment to making a positive impact in his community.
Future Prospects and Career Outlook
Tshegofatso Mabasa has shown great potential as a striker in the South African Premier Soccer League. His impressive performances for Orlando Pirates have earned him a spot in the national team, and he has proven to be a reliable goal scorer.
Looking ahead, Mabasa’s career outlook is promising. He is still young and has many years of football ahead of him. If he continues to work hard and improve his skills, he could become one of the top strikers in South Africa.
Mabasa’s current contract with Orlando Pirates runs until June 2024, with a club option for two additional years. If he continues to perform well, it is likely that the club will exercise this option and keep him on the team.
In terms of international play, Mabasa has already made several appearances for the South African national team. He will likely continue to be called up for future matches, and could become a key player for the team in the years to come.
Overall, Mabasa’s future prospects look bright. With his talent and work ethic, he has the potential to achieve great success both at the club and international level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Tshegofatso Mabasa’s career statistics and highlights?
Tshegofatso Mabasa is a South African professional soccer player who plays as a forward for Orlando Pirates. As of the 2023/2024 season, Mabasa has made 102 appearances in the Premier Soccer League and has scored 50 goals. He has also made 8 appearances in the South African Cup and has scored 4 goals. Mabasa’s highlights include being named the Premier Soccer League Player of the Month in January 2020.
Which teams has Tshegofatso Mabasa played for?
Mabasa began his professional career at Bloemfontein Celtic before moving to Orlando Pirates in July 2019. During the 2022/2023 season, Mabasa was loaned to Moroka Swallows before returning to Orlando Pirates for the 2023/2024 season.
What is Tshegofatso Mabasa’s salary and net worth?
There is no publicly available information on Mabasa’s salary or net worth.
Has Tshegofatso Mabasa won any awards or honors in football?
In addition to being named the Premier Soccer League Player of the Month in January 2020, Mabasa was also named the Orlando Pirates Player of the Season in the 2022/2023 season.
What is known about Tshegofatso Mabasa’s early life and development as a player?
Mabasa was born on October 1, 1996, in Botshabelo, South Africa. He began playing soccer at a young age and joined the Bloemfontein Celtic academy at the age of 14. Mabasa made his professional debut for Bloemfontein Celtic in 2016.
Is Tshegofatso Mabasa married, and if so, what is known about his family life?
There is no publicly available information on Mabasa’s marital status or family life.