'It Is Very Painful' – Frustrated Orlando Pirates Striker Breaks Silence on Repeated Bafana Bafana Snubs

Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa has expressed his disappointment at being consistently overlooked for the South African national team, despite his strong goal-scoring form for the club.

The 29-year-old forward has not featured for Bafana Bafana since Hugo Broos's early tenure as head coach four years ago. Despite his impressive performances, he has struggled to secure a spot in the final squad.

Most recently, Tshegofatso Mabasa was included in the preliminary selection for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Zimbabwe but was ultimately cut from the final list, continuing a frustrating pattern for the striker.

In an interview with iDiski Times, Tshegofatso Mabasa admitted the recurring omissions are difficult to accept but stated he draws motivation from teammates who have successfully returned to the national setup after long absences.

"It is very painful because I generally make the preliminary squads," Tshegofatso Mabasa explained. "But I am just unfortunate never to make the cut for the final one. 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."

The Orlando Pirates marksman also revealed he has not given up on his dream of representing South Africa at an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.

"It is definitely a dream," Tshegofatso Mabasa said. "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. I am hopeful, and I know it will happen if I keep on doing my work at the club."

Reflecting on his career, Tshegofatso Mabasa pointed to the resilience of his teammate Evidence Makgopa as a source of inspiration, believing that consistent hard work will eventually be rewarded by the national team selectors.

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

Despite the ongoing setbacks, Tshegofatso Mabasa remains determined to break back into the Bafana Bafana squad.

He trusts that his consistent club form and unwavering patience will eventually earn him the national team opportunity he has long worked for.