Patrick Maswanganyi is a firm fan favourite for Orlando Pirates after a string of stellar performances this season.
Maswanganyi feels the love
The travelling Pirates fans serenaded Patrick Maswanganyi as the Buccaneers thrashed Royal AM 4-0. It’s a result which keeps Jose Riveiro’s side in the hunt for a top-two finish. They’re three points behind Stellenbosch with five matches to play. The teams could also meet in the Nedbank Cup final, should they both get the job done in their semi-final clashes. For now, though, it’s all about Maswanganyi.
Orlando Pirates coming good at the right time
Jose Riveiro’s side have scored 16 goals in their last four games across all competitions. Maswanganyi has five goals and five assists this season in 23 league appearances. Across all competitions, he has nine goals and 10 assists in 32 outings. That’s a stellar return for the 26-year-old. The attacking midfielder has added dynamism and directness to the Pirates front four, flanked by the in-form duo Kabelo Dlamini and wonderkid Relebohile Mofokeng.
LEBITSO RULED OUT FOR THE SEASON
Meanwhile, in less encouraging news, Bucs right-back Thabiso Lebitso will play no further part this season with a serious collarbone injury. Lebitso joined the Sea Robbers in January on a free transfer from Chippa. It took him a while to make an impression on the first team but when he did, he did so in style with a goal against Kaizer Chiefs in March. Pirates’ 3-2 win over their Soweto rivals was undoubtedly a highlight for the adventurous right back, but now he’ll have to watch the rest of the campaign from the sidelines. Thabiso Monyane is an obvious candidate to deputise for Lebitso. Monyane was introduced as a substitute in Pirates’ 4-0 win against Royal AM. Maswanganyi, Thalente Mbatha, Mofokeng and Dlamini were on the score sheet.
“The game between Orlando Pirates and Royal AM has brought mixed news. Just as Orlando Pirates celebrated a commanding 4-0 victory over Royal AM in an all-important DStv Premiership on Sunday afternoon, the Buccaneers have suffered a significant setback with the injury to Thabiso Lebitso. The Bucs medical team has revealed to Orlandopiratesfc.com that the 28-year-old right-back has suffered a broken collarbone, which requires surgical intervention. The prognosis of how long Lebitso will be out for will be known post his procedure,” it said on the club’s official website.
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