South Africa’s second highest all-time leading goal scorer Shaun Bartlett oozes confidence stemming from the breathtaking race for the Premier Soccer League golden boot between Tshegofatso Mabasa and Iqraam Reyners.
Before this weekend’s fixtures were played, Orlando Pirates marksman Mabasa sat on 15 with Reyners of Stellenbosch FC a goal shy, while Mamelodi Sundowns’ Brazilian forward Lucas Ribeiro Costa is on 12.
Bartlett believes Bafana boss Hugo Broos must be gratified by the form of Mabasa (27) and Reyners (28) ahead of the resumption of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers next month.
For all the chances Bafana create, the absence of a proven sharpshooter has seen the side struggle to replace paucity with profligacy in front of goal. “When players are on fire, on form and scoring, surely your job as a coach is to reward them with a call up,” said Bartlett.
“These two have different attributes and can complement each other. Reyners has speed, is very good [when] one-on-one with the keeper and runs from behind into the spaces. Tshego is [a] strong boy who turns defenders with his body strength. He has an eye for goal, something we haven’t seen [from an SA player] for a while.
“When was the last time we had a good [striking] pairing? It’s good to have two who are pushing for their teams to finish in second place. Apart from the incentive for them to get the golden boot, they are fighting to take their teams to the coveted Caf Champions League spot.”
Strangely, the Sea Robbers shipped Mabasa to Moroka Swallows on loan and lost dependable scorer Terrence Dzvukamanja to SuperSport United. The Zimbabwean’s departure coincided with Zakhele Lepasa’s loss of form, which left Bucs threadbare upfront.
Bucs coach Jose Riveiro is benefiting from a returnee with a voracious hunger for goals. Bartlett was befuddled by the loan. “They saw what they were missing out on. It was quite strange for a big club like Pirates not to have that kind of backup. We need Mabasa and Reyners to be in the big tournaments.
“Besides the loss against Nigeria at Afcon, we’ve had some decent results. These two can lead the frontline for the bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. For us not to have qualified for the World Cup since 2002 [SA qualified for the quadrennial global football fiesta as hosts] is terrible.”
Reyners is the focal point of Stellies’ collective attacking threat for coach Steve Barker. Along with Antonio van Wyk (22), Devin Titus (22), Ivory Coast international winger Anicet Oura (23), Stellies boast a formidable forward line. “Steve has a good combination. He’s clever and settled for young players that attack with speed,” said Bartlett.
“How they find each other and score is a marvel. It comes with planning and letting the team gel.”
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.