A potential move that could have seen Tshegofatso Mabasa join MAS Fez has officially collapsed, according to the Moroccan side's head coach Pablo Franco Martin.
Several reports emerged this week indicating that MAS Fez were contemplating the possibility of signing the Orlando Pirates striker for the upcoming season.
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Mabasa, who enjoyed a strong 2024/25 season with the Buccaneers, has become a sought-after player lately, with many teams expressing interest in him.
However, it now appears that Mabasa will stay put at the Soweto giants, under new tactician Abdeslam Ouaddou, who is yet to give him some minutes in the two games the team played.
In an exclusive with KickOff, Martin admitted the club had a strong interest in the 28-year-old goal-poacher and had come close to securing a deal.
"It’s true, we were interested him in signing him [Tshegofatso Mabasa]," Martin said.
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"But at this point, I can't say much more. It was between the two clubs, the agents, and the player.
"I believe we came very close, but in the end, the player preferred to stay at Orlando Pirates, so I think it's over."
Mabasa's decision is understood to have been driven by unfinished business in the domestic league, as his aim is to equal Benedict Vilakazi's club goal-scoring record.
The highly-rated striker has currently has bagged 38 goals, while Tso, as Pirates legend holds the record with 52 goals for the one-time CAF Champions League winners.
