The former Orlando Pirates dribbling wizard has been released by Sekhukhune United FC just after six months of joining from Marumo Gallants FC.
This season he has only featured 7 times for United.
According to Mabalane, who has also played on the right-wing position at Pirates, there is that one element that is killing the 31-year-old's game.
"You know the problem with Thabo is from at Pirates we looked at him and we thought he was that enterprising player and all that," Mabalane tells snl24.com/kickoff.
"But as a footballer or maybe someone who analyses other players, I think when I look at his game and even back at Pirates, Thabo yes, was an exciting player to watch, he can play football, he's got that skill, he's one of those that are skilful, almost like a typical skilful player with potential but never reached his full potential.
"And another thing is football demands an end-product, especially when you are an attacking player on the wing which is where I played as well.
"He needs to have an end product whereby a team can say after the game, you've created so many goals for us. If you don't score at least give us creativity. That aspect of his game was not really his strong point.
As a winger, your position requires you to create more goals than you score. I don't think he offered in that aspect for most teams.
"It may look nice to those fans who are watching on TV, but teams want assets for their businesses. That's where he came short, Rakhale," Mabalane said.