Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has shared his thoughts on the Player of the Season debate involving one of his players – Patrick Maswanganyi as a contender.
‘Tito’, as he’s well-known, has been the mainstay of the Buccaneers, especially in the second half of the season.
With consistent displays he’s produced, he has bagged a whopping 12 Man of the Match accolades in all competitions.
He has scored eight goals and provided eight assists in 33 games that he has played for the Buccaneers since signing from SuperSport United last year.
Maswanganyi got into the scoresheet and turned provider twice as Pirates demolished Royal AM 4-0 on Sunday afternoon. After the match, Riveiro was asked whether the left-footer deserved to be honoured with the Player of the Season award.
Riveiro says Maswanganyi has found his way into football fans’ hearts.
He believes the 26-year-old is a “clear candidate” for the biggest individual accolade this campaign.
RIVEIRO SAYS PATRICK MASWANGANYI IS A CLEAR CANDIDATE FOR PLAYER OF THE SEASON AWARD
“I think people are in love with him, who am I to say who people should love or identify as the player of the season,” said Riveiro.
“The South African football fans have a good taste about football. They know the football they want to see.
“And let’s see, like I said in the end it’s important that the team is getting good results and good performances within that individuals shine.
“He’s a clear candidate but let’s see.”
Teboho Mokwena was a big winner last season, scooping the DStv Premiership Midfielder of the Season and the Footballer of the Season Awards.
He could be one of the contenders having been exceptional throughout the season in the middle of the park of the Tshwane giants. And winning the league could be another boost for the hard-tackler with Sundowns in need of six points only to wrap it up.
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