Patrick Maswanganyi made Orlando Pirates supporters rather proud while wearing Bafana Bafana colours over the past week. What did coach Hugo Broos think?
HUGO BROOS PLEASED WITH PATRICK MASWANGANYI BUT…
Filling in for the great Themba Zwane will always be a big ask. Patrick Maswanganyi has started well, scoring two goals against Uganda and South Sudan, respectively. Is Coach Broos fully satisfied with the Orlando Pirates ace? Not yet, and that is expected.
“I’m very happy with Patrick’s performance, and I said it in the past. We need to look for someone who can replace Themba,” Broos told journalists at the press conference.
“Yes, unfortunately, we have to do it earlier because [Zwane is injured]. I wanted Themba to be with us now because I know how important he is for the national team.
“But what Patrick showed tonight [Tuesday against South Sudan] makes me happy. It’s not really what we want, but I asked him to play differently than at Pirates. He just needs to adapt to the way we play. But he has the potential; otherwise, I shouldn’t select him.
“So with his game against Sudan, also on Friday [versus Uganda], he scored, which will give him certainly a boost of confidence, and I am pleased with his performance, but he still has to improve.
“He still needs to play and give passes, which is very important for us, and I’m sure he can, but he needs a little bit of time; but again, in the South Sudan game, he did what I asked, and I’m happy with his performance,” the Belgian added on the Orlando Pirates number 10.
CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCH FOR ORLANDO PIRATES
In the meantime, Maswanganyi’s international experience is set to continue. The Sea Robbers are focused on their Group C opener away to Algeria’s CR Belouizdad next Tuesday, 26 November.
