Former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns striker Katlego Mashego has offered his take on what could take Patrick Maswanganyi’s game to the next level.
The 27-year-old has been a key figure for Pirates since switching from SuperSport United in July 2023, helping the Buccaneers to four domestic cup titles, while also accumulating Bafana Bafana caps.
With the arrival of coach Abdeslam Ouaddou to replace Jose Riveiro this term, Maswanganyi shifted into more of a squad role, starting three of Pirates’ six games in 2026.
Despite limited game time, the Tembisa-born star has delivered six goals and two assists in 20 appearances. Mashego believes Maswanganyi could become a bigger asset for Pirates if he develops a habit of moving the ball more quickly.
KATLEGO MASHEGO: I’M SURE THE COACHES TELL HIM THE SAME THING
“He’s done well for Orlando Pirates, and he’s been consistent before, and that also put him back into the national team,” Mashego said on Sports Night Amplified.
“Recently, he has been in and out of the team, and now I think the coach felt like he deserved to start in a big game like this, and I think yesterday [Wednesday] you could have written his name in lights, especially in the first half, with that chance.
“I think the game was a bit more open for him because he likes those spaces and is a bit skilful, but I always think that he’s..I don’t want to say this, but I think for me, he seems to take a bit too long on the ball, and it’s something that I think he needs to work on, but he doesn’t need to hear that from me. I’m sure the coaches say the same thing.
“He seems to be taking a bit too long on the ball, and sometimes that doesn’t make things easier, especially in a high-profile game, like the one they played yesterday [Wednesday].
Mashego concluded, saying that when looking at Mamelodi Sundowns’ three midfielders, what stood out was their ability to pass at the right time and with the correct weight, as well as their awareness of when to play short or long.
The Bushbuckridge-born legend noted that they executed all aspects of midfield play effectively, and added that this is an area he believes Maswanganyi still needs to learn and improve on.
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