Mabena is currently in his contract at Celtic after signing a new three-year deal last year, and has grown in leaps and bounds since his arrival from Platinum Stars back in 2017.
The 33-year-old striker showed glimpses of his ability during his days at Pirates between 2009 and 2014, but never really got going for the Soweto giants.
Now he says he has matured and been given a better platform to express himself at Phunya Sele Sele, who are gunning to lift the MTN8 trophy after Saturday's final against The Buccaneers.
"I think the role I've been given in the team gives me confidence, but having said that, I've also been in the game for a while now," said Mabena.
"The experience I've gained from my previous teams, I think I've put it in [my game] here. With the coaches I've worked with, especially with my current coach, the confidence they've given me each and every time from the training, helps me a lot.
"To be around the other senior players plus the youngsters, who are willing to learn and listen, obviously the experience I'm bringing in also helps them a lot, and it helps the team as well.
"So, I think I'm more calm and more mature from [the time at] my previous teams, not only Orlando Pirates but also Platinum Stars, and I'm just enjoying my football.
"This is the platform that they have given me to go out and express myself as a senior player."