The Premier Soccer League’s Golden Boot winner for the 2023/24 season, Tshego Mabasa, isn’t dwelling on his Bafana Bafana snub for next month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Zimbabwe.

The Bloemfontein-born-and-bred Orlando Pirates striker became the first South African in a couple of seasons to win the accolade.

Following the recent AFCON in Ivory Coast the Bafana coach, Hugo Broos, bemoaned the country’s lack of lethal strikers, and with his success rate, one would have thought that Mabasa would be on the radar.

‘If it is meant to happen, it will happen’

Mabasa said his time to play for South Africa again will come, but it’s not something that he dwells on, especially at there is a big Nedbank Cup final on the weekend.

“In all honesty, I am not really disappointed,” said Mabasa.

“Yes, every player wants to play for the national team, but I believe that if it is meant to happen, it will happen.

‘I am not worried about that at all’

“You look at Mshishi (Themba Zwane), and what happened with him. He wasn't selected at all, and now he is selected for every camp.

“For me, it is not something I think about a lot. Yes, I have been doing well, but like I said if it is meant to happen, it will happen. I am not worried about that at all.”

Meanwhile, on Saturday at 15:00, Pirates will face Mamelodi Sundowns in the final of the Nedbank Cup at the Mbombela Stadium.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh