Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa says he is optimistic that he can reclaim his starting berth for the Buccanneers.

Mabasa was a firm favourite under Rhulani Mokwena as he began the season like a house on fire, netting three goals in his first five matches of the season.

With the arrival of German coach Josef Zinnbauer, Malawian goal-getter Gabadinho Mhango has replaced Mabasa up front, which has resulted in Mabasa seeing precious litte gametime since.

Indeed, Mhango leads the goalscoring charts in the Absa Premiership with 15 strikes to his name and it won't be easy for Mabasa to force his way back in, but the 23-year-old is not giving up hope just yet.

"What happened was that when we changed coaches, the new coach [Josef Zinnbauer] started with [Gabadinho] Mhango and he hit the ground running," Mabasa tells Lovemore Moyo in the latest KickOff magazine.

"He started scoring in every game. He was on form and there is no way you could take him out when he was in that kind of form. I supported him all the way while waiting for my chance, the same way he had done when I was starting.

"What I have made sure I do is to continue working hard and keep on pushing myself to the limit."

- TEAMtalk media