Why Pirates top scorer Mabasa has joined Stellenbosch on loan

In one of the most significant moves of the January window, Orlando Pirates have officially confirmed that Tshegofatso Mabasa will spend the remainder of the 2025/26 season on loan at Stellenbosch FC.

The 29-year-old marksman has already been spotted training with Gavin Hunt’s side in the Western Cape, bringing an end to months of speculation regarding his peripheral role at Mayfair.

𝐌𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐚 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬@orlandopirates can confirm the move of striker Tshegofatso Mabasa to Stellenbosch FC.

The 29-year-old moves to Stellies on a loan for the remainder of the season.

⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/s06dblnwou

— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) January 19, 2026

The move marks a dramatic fall from grace for Mabasa, who was the cornerstone of Jose Riveiro’s attack last season. Having finished as the Buccaneers’ top scorer with 15 goals in 48 appearances, Mabasa’s pedigree as one of the league’s most clinical finishers is undisputed.

However, life under new head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has been a different story. The striker has struggled to adapt to the Moroccan tactician’s philosophy, managing just five league appearances and one goal since the start of the 2025/26 campaign.

The “Ouaddou Model”: Why Mabasa Didn’t Fit

Despite the striker’s proven goal-scoring record, Ouaddou has been vocal about why the striker has spent more time on the bench than on the pitch. The coach recently clarified that the omission was “purely tactical,” citing a mismatch between Mabasa’s playing style and his own “demanding game model.”

Ouaddou’s system prioritises high-intensity pressing and defensive industry from the front—qualities he believes are better served by the likes of Evidence Makgopa, Boitumelo Radiopane, and Yanela Mbuthuma. For the Moroccan coach, a striker’s efficiency without the ball is just as vital as their composure with it.

A Precursor to a Permanent Exit?

With Mabasa’s contract set to expire in June 2026, this loan move feels like more than a temporary fix. The striker recently raised eyebrows by removing “Orlando Pirates player” from his social media bios, a move that signalled his growing frustration.

Having previously navigated loan spells at Sekhukhune United and Moroka Swallows to find regular minutes, Mabasa now joins a Stellenbosch side that could benefit immensely from his experience. For Gavin Hunt, acquiring a Golden Boot contender mid-season is a massive coup, while for Pirates, it clears the way for Ouaddou to fully implement his tactical vision.

Pirates Official Statement:

“Orlando Pirates can confirm the move of striker Tshegofatso Mabasa to Stellenbosch FC. The 29-year-old moves to Stellies on a loan for the remainder of the season.”