'Boy, don't give up': Orlando Pirates star told to fight for his place
The 28-year-old did not start many games last season under Jose Riveiro but could be down the pecking order once again under the new coach.
Mabasa is currently on 46 goals for the Buccaneers and needs just seven goals to break Tso's record. Although his goalscoring record is on the line, Vilakazi has urged the Orlando Pirates striker to fight hard to earn his place back in the starting eleven.
'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,' the former Orlando Pirates midfielder 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.'
Orlando Pirates open their 2025/26 season against Polokwane City this Saturday in the MTN8.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Orlando Pirates promote the new Nkota?
So Orlando Pirates sold Mohau Nkota to Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia after just one season in the Betway Premiership. According to these reports, the Buccaneers have another exciting winger, Neo Mokoena, from the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) reserve team. Following a strong finish to the previous season, during which Mokoena trained with the Orlando Pirates senior side, he has earned his place in the Buccaneers' A squad. Mamelodi Sundowns news: Cardoso and Rayners With similar flair and confidence on the ball to Nkota, Mokoena is expected to bring the same spark to the wing. His elevation is part of a broader strategy to invest in homegrown talent rather than relying solely on high-profile signings. Kaizer Chiefs news: Edson Castillo and Bafana defender 'Orlando Pirates are set to hand the youngster a first-team contract after a successful DStv Diski Challenge season under Joseph Makhanya,' a club insider confirmed. 'The speedy winger is known for his unique skills and pace, and he also has goals in his game,' the source added. Orlando Pirates star Neo Mokoena warms up with the DStv Diski Challenge team. Image: @orlandpirates/X 'Mokoena, 22, trained with the senior side towards the end of last season and the Buccaneers saw his potential and were keen for him to sign a senior contract,' he concluded. This promotion signals continued belief in their development structures. Think: Relebohile Mofokeng Mohau Nkota Mbekezeli Mbokazi Siphiwe Silepe Carmen Darsin. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Orlando Pirates news: Record chase and Bafana midfielder
Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa is heading into a pivotal season that could define his legacy at the club. The 28-year-old from Botshabelo, Free State, is just six goals shy of matching Benedict Vilakazi's record as Pirates' all-time top scorer. Ahead of the season opener against Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium, Vilakazi has shared a message of support for Mabasa. 'For me it shows character. 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 to be seen…Full story here. Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa celebrates scoring against Cape Town City FC in the Betway Premiership. Image: Kick Off Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha has opened up about how his move to the Soweto giants completely transformed his life — not only professionally, but personally as well. While the former Highlands Park and SuperSport United star is grateful for the opportunities and exposure that have come with Orlando Pirates, he admits that stardom also comes with its own set of challenges. Mbatha, who joined Pirates on loan from SuperSport United before making the move permanent, has enjoyed a rapid rise over the past season. . 'It's hard to do things in private now, where I can just laugh out loud in a mall or be myself,' he said. 'Now there are opinions about you. People watch you, judge you — and sometimes even misunderstand you…Full story here. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Phili strikes late as Stellenbosch edge AmaZulu in extra-time thriller
Langelihle Phili of Stellenbosch celebrate after scoring his extra-time goal against AmaZulu at Cape Town Stadium on Sunday in the MTN8 quarter-finals. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Langelihle Phili came off the bench to haunt his former club and seal Stellenbosch's place in the MTN8 semi-finals with a 3-2 extra-time victory over AmaZulu at the DHL Stadium on Sunday. The 20-year-old winger, a product of the Usuthu academy, emerged as the hero deep into extra-time after the tie had finished 2-2 in regulation. With both sides locked in an intense back-and-forth battle, it was Phili's powerful finish in the 108th minute that proved decisive. AmaZulu, featuring several new faces after a squad overhaul, struck first through debutant Keagan Allen in the 19th minute. The former Moroka Swallows centre-back capitalised on a lapse in concentration from the hosts, staying alert after a set-piece. A clever pass from defensive partner Sandile Mthethwa found Allen unmarked, and he bundled the ball past Sage Stephens to open his account. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ But Stellenbosch responded swiftly. Just seven minutes later, Bafana Bafana winger Devin Titus broke down the right and showed excellent composure to square for Sanele Barns, who tapped in from close range to level matters. The match had all the ingredients of a true MTN8 clash — edge, energy, and end-to-end transitions. Usuthu, under Arthur Zwane, handed starts to two new signings in Allen and Ryan Moon. But their plans were disrupted midway through the first half when goalkeeper Richard Ofori was stretchered off following a collision with Barns. Despite dominating possession, Stellies struggled to find the cutting edge in the opening stanza. Steve Barker's men repeatedly breached the final third but lacked execution to convert their territorial advantage into goals. In the second half, AmaZulu upped their tempo and wrestled more control in midfield. However, that resistance cracked in the 69th minute. Barns, a persistent menace throughout, completed his brace in style. This time, he struck from a free kick, curling the ball beautifully around the wall and past substitute goalkeeper Olwethu Mzimela. The build-up by AmaZulu 🤌🤌 Keegan Allan scores on debut ⚽🔥 📺 Stream #MTN8 on DStv: — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) August 3, 2025 The visitors, however, were not done. Just four minutes later, AmaZulu equalised again — this time through 22-year-old academy graduate Tebogo Mashigo. The young attacker showed great awareness inside the box, latching onto a loose ball before firing a deflected effort that looped over Stephens to make it 2-2. Stellenbosch pushed for a late winner in regulation, but AmaZulu held firm, forcing the game into extra time. With tired legs and both teams showing signs of fatigue, it was always going to take a moment of individual brilliance or composure to separate the sides — and Phili delivered exactly that. The winger, introduced late in the second half, found himself in space and fired a riproaring shot to beat Mzimela and send the home crowd into celebration. Stellenbosch now join Orlando Pirates and Sekhukhune United in the last four of the MTN8, with the final quarter-final tie set to determine the last semi-finalist. For Usuthu, it's a bitter blow — but signs of promise under Zwane remain. SCORES Stellenbosch FC (1) 3 Barns 26, 69, Phili 108 AmaZulu FC (1) 2 Allen 19, Mashigo 73
