DURBAN - Abel Mabaso doesn’t regret his decision of joining Orlando Pirates from Chippa United during the past transfer window. However, it hasn’t been an easy time for him at Pirates so far as he’s yet to make an official debut. He has also struggled to make the match-day squad.
As a result, he’s been sent to the MultiChoice Diski Challenge side to seek game time. It is a downgrade for a player of his calibre, especially after an impressive outing with Chippa last term where he featured in various positions.
“The club showed interest me, and I had a chat with the coaches before I came here, hence I felt fit to come to a team like Orlando Pirates,” Mabaso explained. “So for me, it’s really been an honour and a privilege to be part of the set-up. I am here to add value and to push for honours, thus go for everything that’s available.”
With the competition intense in the first team as the club is in pursuit of honours this season, the 27-year-old midfielder is not bothered by spending time in the MDC so far. “To be honest, everything has been good so far and we are really pushing each other,” he said.
“Being in the reserve league is very crucial for me. I need to get game time, so that when I get the opportunity in the first team, my match-fitness will be equal to the guys that have been playing during the start of the season.”
Bucs' slow start in their pursuit for titles this season has made a tricky situation for coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic and assistant Rulani Mokwena in terms of having a consistent starting line-up.
This is something that could work to their advantage as the congestion of their fixtures, which includes the start of the Caf Champions League in November, means that Sredojevic and Mokwena will need a fully fit squad for the duration of the season. Hence, the KwaNdengezi-born footballer is confident that his time will come.
. @CapeTownCityFC top the log standings and maintain their 100% record for the season #BeThePassion #Asidlali pic.twitter.com/ztyh74jVF5
— Asidlali (@Asidlali) September 24, 2018
“The league is a marathon,’’ he insisted. “Coach Rulani has been a great mentor and good football tactician. But not only do I learn from him; the whole technical team has had an impact in the foundation that I have already. They help me with my individual performance, as there’s always room for improvement.”
Mabaso will hope to make his debut when the Sea Robbers host Golden Arrows on October 3 in the Absa Premiership.