Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro says striker Tshegofatso Mabasa is an “important” piece in their structure following his recent run of form for the Buccaneers.

The 27-year-old striker scored the winning goal to hand Pirates a 1-0 victory over AmaZulu in their previous DStv Premiership match.

Mabasa has now taken his goal tally to 11 goals and is the joint top scorer in the DStv Premiership alongside Mamelodi Sundowns star Lucas Ribeiro Costa.

Riveiro had high praise for his in-form striker and is delighted with his overall contribution to the team this season.

“He has scored many times for us, he is one more piece in our structure and an important one right now,” Riveiro said post-match.

“I’m happy when the forwards are delivering goals, but especially getting the responsibility in the last meters.

“He is constantly offering us the options for other players that are playing around him to be aggressive in our pressing for the defenders when we don’t have the ball.

“So, he is contributing to the role that he is assigned to the number nine position and so far he is doing well.”