Just after Thamsanqa Gabuza had finally discovered his new-found form with goals for club and country, Orlando Pirates recruited Tendai Ndoro, a striker likely to be a direct threat to his future with the Buccaneers.
This has quickly cast doubt on whether Gabuza, who is travelling with Bafana Bafana to Mauritius for the second leg of their African Nations Championship (Chan) qualifier on Sunday, can maintain consistency in a side that's never lacked a proven goal scorer on stand-by.
Kermit Erasmus, Lehlohonolo Majoro, Lennox Bacela and even out-of-favour Helder Pelembe, are all tied to contracts at Bucs.
"We have to welcome him [Ndoro] with open arms," said Gabuza yesterday about his new teammate, who was signed from Mpumalanga Black Aces last week.
"He also needs a chance to settle and prove himself to the fans and the technical team. Competition at the club has always been tough, and it's always been like that in previous seasons because Pirates have always gone after quality strikers.
"I've set my personal targets and I will go after them regardless."
It's only recently that Gabuza rose to the occasion when Pirates coach Eric Tinkler gave him a run in the CAF Confederation Cup. The forward rewarded his mentor with three goals in two matches before his inclusion in Bafana's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Gambia in Durban.
Erasmus had rejected a call-up, opening the door for Gabuza.
"I don't think anything has changed in terms of how I play. I just kept pushing myself because I believe if you are patient enough and work hard, you will get your just reward.
"And I look forward to playing against Zamalek [in the Confederation Cup on July 11]," said Gabuza, who again silenced his critics with two goals from the national team's three games last month.
He has grown in confidence and is expected to again lead the line for coach Shakes Mashaba's men in Mauritius at the Stade Anjalay on Sunday afternoon, with Bafana looking to add to their 3-0 advantage from the first leg at Dobsonville Stadium.
"Every player wants to be here because representing the national team is something to be proud of," said Gabuza.
Ndoro threat to red-hot Gabuza
Just after Thamsanqa Gabuza had finally discovered his new-found form with goals for club and country, Orlando Pirates recruited Tendai Ndoro, a striker likely to be a direct threat to his future with the Buccaneers.
This has quickly cast doubt on whether Gabuza, who is travelling with Bafana Bafana to Mauritius for the second leg of their African Nations Championship (Chan) qualifier on Sunday, can maintain consistency in a side that's never lacked a proven goal scorer on stand-by.
Kermit Erasmus, Lehlohonolo Majoro, Lennox Bacela and even out-of-favour Helder Pelembe, are all tied to contracts at Bucs.
"We have to welcome him [Ndoro] with open arms," said Gabuza yesterday about his new teammate, who was signed from Mpumalanga Black Aces last week.
"He also needs a chance to settle and prove himself to the fans and the technical team. Competition at the club has always been tough, and it's always been like that in previous seasons because Pirates have always gone after quality strikers.
"I've set my personal targets and I will go after them regardless."
It's only recently that Gabuza rose to the occasion when Pirates coach Eric Tinkler gave him a run in the CAF Confederation Cup. The forward rewarded his mentor with three goals in two matches before his inclusion in Bafana's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Gambia in Durban.
Erasmus had rejected a call-up, opening the door for Gabuza.
"I don't think anything has changed in terms of how I play. I just kept pushing myself because I believe if you are patient enough and work hard, you will get your just reward.
"And I look forward to playing against Zamalek [in the Confederation Cup on July 11]," said Gabuza, who again silenced his critics with two goals from the national team's three games last month.
He has grown in confidence and is expected to again lead the line for coach Shakes Mashaba's men in Mauritius at the Stade Anjalay on Sunday afternoon, with Bafana looking to add to their 3-0 advantage from the first leg at Dobsonville Stadium.
"Every player wants to be here because representing the national team is something to be proud of," said Gabuza.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos