Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa set for market battle after contract stance

The 29-year-old forward has entered the final stretch of his deal at the Buccaneers with no renewal on the table, effectively paving the way for his departure as a free agent.

Mabasa, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Stellenbosch, added to his profile with a return of five goals, but the Cape Winelands club has already decided against making his move permanent.

That has left the experienced striker weighing up his next step, with interest already beginning to build both locally and abroad.

Clubs in Turkey and Israel are reportedly monitoring his situation, while Kaizer Chiefs have also been loosely linked with a potential move for the goal-poacher.

However, Mabasa has moved quickly to shut down claims that his future has already been decided.

"That's not true," he told KickOff when asked about speculation of a pre-contract agreement.

"I have not signed with any club at the moment. I can't comment about the teams that are interested. My agent is handling that."

With his next move still open, Mabasa insists the final decision will only come after a full review of all offers alongside his representative.

"I will only make a decision after sitting down with him and looking at those offers. At the end, the final decision will come from my side," he said.

Mabasa's exit marks the end of a stop-start spell at Pirates, where he showed flashes of his finishing ability but was unable to fully cement a long-term starting role.

His previous loan spells, including stints away from Orlando Stadium, further underline a career that has often shifted between promise and searching for consistency.

Now, with free agency looming, the 2023/24 season PSL top-scorer is set to become a sought-after option in the market as clubs look to add an experienced striker ahead of the 2026/27 season.