Tshegofatso Mabasa’s family are staunch Kaizer Chiefs supporters. And that’s why there’s set to be a division of allegiance in the Mabasa residence this afternoon.
Mabasa is expected to lead Orlando Pirates’ forward line when they host arch-rivals Chiefs at a sold-out FNB Stadium, in Soweto, at 3.30pm.
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And given that this match will be watched by 90 000 spectators at the venue, there’ll be millions of viewers who’ll be glued to their televisions and radios.
The Mabasa residence, like they did when their son and relative first showed interest in playing football, will all be watching the game with interest though they’ll be divided.
While the support having been universal, Mabasa has been very close with his father Jimmy whom until now has the gold and black blood running in his veins.
Mabasa is grateful for his father’s unwavering support all these years. But come this afternoon, the two will be arch-rivals in the biggest sporting event in the land.
“He’s one person that I speak to almost every day. I am grateful for the support that he continues to give me,” said Mabasa during the Soweto derby pre-match press conference this week.
“But one thing that I have not managed to do is for him to change allegiances and come to support Orlando Pirates.
“He’s a Chiefs supporter, and a lot of people at home support Chiefs. Hopefully, I can disappoint them by helping my team to win on Saturday.”
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Mabasa doesn’t take the support he has received from his family for granted. So much so that he’s sent a heartfelt message to them for being at his corner through it all.
“It’s great. It’s one of the biggest things that one could ask for. As an athlete you need the biggest support from the ones that are closest to you,” Mabasa said.
“It really goes a long way. So, I’d just like to send my love to them, and that ‘I appreciate them so much and thank you for always supporting me’.”
If it wasn’t for Mabasa’s family perhaps, he wouldn’t be the reigning Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot award recipient in the league now given all the trials and tribulations he’s been through.
Mabasa joined his childhood club Pirates in 2019, and showed scoring prowess, but he was loaned out to Sekhukhune United for the 2022/23 season.
Enter the 23/24 season. He was on the road again, joining the defunct Moroka Swallows. He excelled at Swallows, and Pirates came back calling for the second half of the season.
The 28-year-old guided the Sea Robbers to a second-place finish in the Premiership and a back-to-back Nedbank Cup crown.
And while winning trophies with the club takes precedence for Mabasa, he wants to become the all-time leading top goal scorer and surpass Benedict Vilakazi’s record of 52 goals.
“It’s a privilege, and an honour like I always say, especially to be representing this club and doing as well as I have been for this club,” Mabasa said.
“I think I am currently the joint second top goal scorer in the club’s all-time scoring list. It’s a thing that I can be proud of, and I want to achieve great things for this wonderful club.
“I’ve grown up supporting this club, and I want to make history at this club and leave my mark as well. So hopefully I can achieve that (surpassing Vilakazi’s record).”
Mabasa, who’s scored 40 goals for the club, could crawl closer to that record if he adds another feather in his cap by scoring in the Soweto derby, the first of the Betway Premiership, today.
“It’s a big game, and every player wants to play in big games,” Mabasa said. “Going to Belouizdad away, in such a hostile environment, and Cairo.These are nice games to play.
“Personally, I want to score in this game and get my first goal in the derby and help the team to collect all three points on Saturday.”