Mabasa ready to embrace pressure as Pirates chase fourth straight MTN8 crown

Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa says his side are well accustomed to the pressure of big matches as they chase a historic fourth consecutive MTN8 crown when they take on Stellenbosch FC at a sold-out Mbombela Stadium on Saturday (6pm kick-off).

While he hasn’t been part of all of Pirates’ previous triumphs, Mabasa is eager to play his role in extending that dominance. Under new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who will oversee his first final since joining the club, the 28-year-old forward has embraced the challenge of defending their crown.

Although yet to make a major impact this season — with just one appearance in the MTN8 — Mabasa is determined to play his part and has an eye on the club’s all-time scoring record. He is currently six goals away from Benedict Vilakazi’s long-standing tally of 52.

Looking ahead to Saturday’s showdown, Mabasa expressed his excitement at the opportunity to make history again.

“Playing in a cup final is what each and every player wants to do in their careers,” Mabasa said, ahead of the clash.

“Another opportunity for us to create history. There is a phrase in our corridors here at the Rand Stadium that says history can never be rewritten, and that’s what we believe in. Hopefully we can go and do that and grab four in a row this weekend.”

The former Moroka Swallows striker added that representing a club of Pirates’ stature comes with constant expectations, but stressed that the players have grown used to that pressure.

“Once you play for a big team, you know that you are one of the leading brands on the African continent. There will always be pressure. There are a lot of demands within the club — with each and every tournament that we play, we want to go and win it, and it will be no different with this one.

“The pressure will always be there, but it’s nothing we haven’t been able to handle as players and coaches. We are used to this and on Saturday we go again to rewrite history.”

The Sea Robbers have not always had it easy against Stellenbosch, who have been a tricky opponent over the years. Despite beating them 1-0 in the league earlier this season, Mabasa expects a stern test, though he hopes Pirates can build on the momentum they had before the international break.

The Soweto giants head into the contest in a stronger position, having bounced back from two consecutive opening league defeats with a five-match unbeaten run in all competitions. 

Stellies, on the other hand, have struggled at the start of their league campaign, picking up only four points from their opening five matches. But Mabasa insists there will be no room for complacency, especially against a side that has often been a thorn in their path.

“It’s another game and another tough opponent in Stellenbosch. We have had struggles playing them, especially in the league where we have struggled to win a few times over the last few seasons. 

“But, hopefully, we can rectify that and continue in the same vein of form that we have had, especially in the MTN8,” Mabasa concluded.