Although his initial effort was saved by Ronwen Williams, the forward reacted quickest to slot home the rebound and level matters. Moments later, the in-form striker thought he had completed a dramatic turnaround, only for his would-be winner to be ruled out by the assistant referee. Mabasa, currently on loan from Orlando Pirates, continues to impress in the Cape Winelands.

He has now netted four league goals and is growing in influence with each passing game. The result sees Sundowns slip to a point behind the Buccaneers, albeit with a game in hand, keeping the title race finely poised. Following the match, Pirates fans flooded social media with praise for Mabasa, with some jokingly labelling him a “secret agent” sent to derail Sundowns’ title charge.

If he maintains this form, calls for his return to Mayfair could grow louder, especially if the Sea Robbers go on to lift the league trophy. Pirates fans praise Mabasa Fan reactions : @thula_moleofi: “They said Pirates players can score as many goals as they can, forgetting Mabasa is a Pirates player.” @arnoldmatjea: “Mabasa really took it personal. That second goal would have hit like absolute crack.” @mrloveness: “This sudden silence in the country is brought to you by Stellenbosch FC and Orlando Pirates sniper Tshegofatso Mabasa.” @thulani_njapa: “Unpopular opinion: I’m still picking him, Rayners and Mabasa to go to the World Cup. Foster’s quality cannot be defined by an average club like Burnley, which plays defensive football and expects him to drop deep to assist in defence.” Will Mabasa’s goal derail Downs?