Orlando Pirates legend Andries Sebola has offered advice to Patrick Maswanganyi, emphasizing the need for an attitude adjustment as the 2024/25 season kicks off.
Maswanganyi played a pivotal role in the Buccaneers’ 3-1 victory over SuperSport United during the MTN8 quarter-finals at Orlando Stadium last Saturday. His skillful play and incisive forward passes posed a constant threat to SuperSport’s defense. Maswanganyi formed a formidable attacking combination alongside Monnapule Saleng, Relebohile Mofokeng, and Kabelo Dlamini.
In the same match, Saleng, Olisa Ndah, and Evidence Makgopa found the net for Pirates, while Vincent Pule scored SuperSport’s solitary goal on his club debut.
However, Maswanganyi’s heated confrontations with opposing players, including an incident where he elbowed Gape Moralo, caught Sebola’s attention. The Orlando Pirates legend issued a stern warning, emphasizing that Maswanganyi’s attitude could hinder his rise to prominence in South African football.
“He must control his words and attitude,” Sebola told FARPost. “Exchanging words with the assistant coach [Andre Arendse] of the opponents and hitting the opponent [Gape Moralo] with an elbow—those actions would have warranted a red card if the referee had seen them.”
Sebola added, “To become a big player for Pirates, he needs to manage his emotions. While he shows promise, he hasn’t fully arrived yet.”
Maswanganyi, now in his second season with the Soweto giants after joining from SuperSport United, made a significant impact in his debut season. He featured in 40 matches across all competitions, scoring 10 goals and providing 12 assists. His contributions were crucial as Pirates secured the 2023 MTN8 and Nedbank Cup trophies.
The 26-year-old midfielder has also caught the attention of the Bafana Bafana selectors due to his impressive form with the Ghosts.