Former Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs striker Phumlani "BMX" Mkhize backs Tshegofatso Mabasa to be crowned the DStv Premiership's Top Goalscorer come end of the season.
Mabasa's hat-trick against Lamontville Golden Arrows on Saturday saw him take his goal tally to 10.
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He is one goal behind Mamelodi Sundowns' Lucas Ribeiro Costa, who is now sitting on 11 goals, thanks to a penalty he converted in their 1-0 win over bottom-of-the-table Cape Town Spurs.
Behind Mabasa is Cape Town City and Bafana Bafana striker Khanyisa Mayo, who is on nine goals, while Bradley Grobler and Iqraam Rayners have eight goals each.
"Judging by the way Tshegofatso Mabasa is on form and the way Pirates plays these days, I believe the race Is between him and Khanyisa Mayo," Mkhize tells KickOff.
"The only person who can give them a challenge is Bradley Grobler.
"As for Samir Nurkovic [on seven goals], I don't think he poses much of a threat because TS Galaxy FC is inconsistent.
"Pirates and SuperSport [United] are the only teams I believe will produce this season's Top Goalscorers," he adds.
Mkhize also revealed what has impressed him about the big marksman, who has made a return to the Buccaneers after being out on loan at Moroka Swallows.
"Mabasa came to Pirates to work, he wants to impress the coach and show him he didn't make a mistake by bringing him back from loan.
"When he is on the pitch, you can see he is an animal, he is a hard worker. If he is not assisting, then he is scoring. He's got hunger.
"When it comes to Mayo, you can easily tell he is a national team material. Last season, he finished at the top of the goalscorers chart, so he is used to this. He knows what it takes.
"And Grobler deserves to be mentioned due to the quality goals he scores. He's very experienced."
Why not Ribeiro, who has adapted quickly to South Africa's having joined Sundowns prior to the beginning of the current season?
"The biggest disadvantage for Ribeiro Costa is that at Sundowns anybody can score, they are not relying on him alone.
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"The way Sundowns creates scoring opportunities, Ribeiro shouldn't be on 11 goals, he should be at least on 20 goals. He could have done better.
"I believe this season's Golden Boot will be won by 18 goals.
"Scoring goals has been our biggest challenge in the country."
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