Tshegofatso Mabasa has taken a significant step in his career with his recent transfer to Moroccan champions MAS Fès, marking him as the first South African footballer ever to play for the club.
The ex-Orlando Pirates forward has agreed to a two-year deal with the current Botola Pro titleholders, which includes the possibility of an additional season. His signing comes as MAS Fès gears up for a challenging 2026/27 season, where they will aim to defend their national title and compete in the CAF Champions League.
For Mabasa, this transition symbolizes more than merely a change of teams. It presents a new challenge following a disappointing conclusion to his spell at Orlando Pirates, where he struggled to establish a lasting legacy.
MAS Fès had targeted Mabasa as a key addition even in the previous season. Nevertheless, he opted to stay in South Africa at that time, focusing on breaking Orlando Pirates’ all-time goalscoring record.
However, situations shifted considerably.
After dropping in the rankings under coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, Mabasa was ultimately loaned out, halting his pursuit of the club’s scoring record. What once seemed like a crucial career goal gradually diminished as chances dwindled.
Now, at 29, the forward has welcomed a new chapter that could reshape his career.
MAS Fès is showing considerable trust in the seasoned striker as they enhance their roster for both domestic and international matchups. His established scoring ability and experience within the top tier of South African football are anticipated to be vital as the Moroccan champions strive to continue their recent achievements.
This transfer also represents a notable achievement for South African football. By being the first player from the nation to join MAS Fès, Mabasa has opened a path that may facilitate increased movement between the Premier Soccer League and clubs in North Africa.
With new goals in mind, a different league to master, and the CAF Champions League awaiting, Mabasa now has the chance to craft yet another impactful chapter in his career.
Although his path took an unforeseen direction, it has afforded him a unique legacy that no other South African footballer has previously achieved.
