The talented midfielder featured in Chiefs' opening DDC fixture of the 2026/27 campaign as the Glamour Boys claimed a thrilling 3-2 victory over arch-rivals Orlando Pirates at the Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu on Sunday afternoon.
Chiefs sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr was pleased to see Mabaso back on the pitch and revealed that the youngster is now getting closer to a senior-team return.
"We were also happy to see senior team midfielder Thulani Mabaso play his first competitive match since picking up an injury a few months ago. His return means he is getting closer to match readiness for the first team," Motaung Jr told the Chiefs media department.
Mabaso had been sidelined for several months after suffering a long-term injury that ruled him out during the closing stages of the 2025/26 season.
The left-footed midfielder was promoted to the senior squad last season after playing a key role in Chiefs' DDC title triumph in the 2024/25 campaign.
The 2025/26 season saw Mabaso make seven appearances across all competitions, with the youngster making several cameo appearances under former co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze.
With Chiefs managing his return carefully, Mabaso has been given an opportunity to rebuild his match fitness with the reserve side. His outing against Pirates represents an important step in his recovery as he works towards regaining full fitness.
Motaung Jr also praised the DDC side for their performance in the Soweto derby, highlighting the effort shown by the young players in their opening fixture.
"It was truly a gallant effort by the boys in their opening fixture," he said.
Black Leopards chairman Chief Thidiela says the club will not rush back into competitive football even if the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rules in its favour in the ongoing relegation dispute.
Orlando Pirates youngster Mpho Padime has revealed how his upbringing in the township shaped his unique style of flair, despite head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou's firm stance against showboating.
Kaizer Chiefs forward Luke Baartman knows that regular football at club level could be the key to keeping his place in the national Under-23 setup as the team begins its journey towards the 2028 Olympic Games.
Eric Tinkler is reportedly set to make a return to the Premier Soccer League with the former Orlando Pirates coach having arrived in KwaZulu-Natal to take charge of Durban City.
