Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa has opened up about the deep disappointment of repeatedly missing the final cut for the South African national team. Despite a prolific scoring record for the Buccaneers, Mabasa continues to be overlooked by Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, a situation the player describes as “very painful.”...Click to Read More >>➤

Broos has consistently favored other options for the central striker role, including Mabasa’s own teammate Evidence Makgopa and Burnley’s Lyle Foster. This preference has left the Orlando Pirates star on the outside looking in, even as his goal-scoring form makes a compelling case for inclusion.

The striker’s frustration is compounded by a recurring pattern: he is often named in the initial preliminary squads but fails to make the final selection. This was most recently the case for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin in March.

Mabasa’s Painful Omission

“It is very painful because I generally make the preliminary squads. But I am just unfortunate never to make the cut for the final one,” Mabasa confessed in an interview with iDiski Times.

The emotional toll of this cycle of hope and disappointment is evident. Yet, the Orlando Pirates forward is choosing to channel his frustration into motivation. He remains steadfast in his belief that his opportunity with Bafana Bafana will arrive, drawing inspiration from the resilience of other players.

“I still believe my chance will come, though. I am inspired by the example of Sipho Mbule, who has made it back into the squad,” Mabasa stated, highlighting the potential for a national team recall with persistent performance.

Holding onto the AFCON Dream

With the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) rapidly approaching, the dream of representing his country on the continent’s biggest stage burns brightly for Mabasa. He acknowledges that the tournament holds a special place in his heart, a dream forged in his childhood.

“It is definitely a dream. I grew up watching the tournament, and I have a memory of watching Benni McCarthy doing his thing, and it made me want to be a part of that one day,” he shared.

Despite the short timeframe before the next AFCON, the Orlando Pirates hitman has not given up hope. His strategy is simple and professional: continue excelling at the club level and trust that his performances will be impossible to ignore.

“I am hopeful, and I know it will happen if I keep on doing my work at the club,” he added, outlining his focused mindset.

Learning Patience and Perseverance

Mabasa credits a loan spell at Sekhukhune United with teaching him the virtue of patience. He understands that a national team call-up is earned through consistent, diligent work, and he is prepared to wait for his moment. He points to the success of Evidence Makgopa as a testament to this philosophy.

“I learnt from my time at Sekhukhune to be patient and wait for my chance. I look at Evidence [Makgopa] and I realise that if you work diligently, the selectors will eventually recognise you,” Mabasa reflected.

This mature perspective underscores his professional approach amid personal disappointment. For Tshegofatso Mabasa, the journey with Bafana Bafana feels unfinished. His story is one of unfulfilled potential and a burning desire to prove himself on the international stage. As the Orlando Pirates star continues to find the net, the pressure on the national team selectors will only intensify, keeping his dream of an AFCON appearance very much alive.