Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has praised Patrick Maswanganyi’s recent return to form, admitting the attacking midfielder is now fully adapting to the high-intensity demands of his system.
Maswanganyi was on the scoresheet when the Buccaneers thrashed Magesi FC 3-0 in a Betway Premiership clash at New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday night, with Maswanganyi netting one of the goals. The strike marked a second successive goal for the 28-year-old Bafana Bafana international.
He has now tallied eight league goals this season, complemented by two assists. The victory took the Buccaneers to 65 points, three behind rivals Mamelodi Sundowns, with Pirates having a game in hand and a superior goal difference.
Pirates coach Ouaddou has expressed his delight following Maswanganyi’s resurgence in form, which has bolstered the Buccaneers’ pursuit of the league title. The midfielder has looked increasingly sharp in recent outings, seamlessly integrating into the technical demands of the new campaign.
Reflecting on the player’s form and his contribution to the team’s momentum, Ouaddou highlighted that Maswanganyi is now meeting the rigorous physical standards required of his system.
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“First of all, it is fantastic for him and fantastic for the club. When you play in that position [attacking midfielder], that is exactly what we expect from him,” Ouaddou told journalists.
“I’m very proud of him. I think he is finding his feet and adapting to the intensity we demand, because at the beginning of the season, the high-intensity style I want to play was perhaps a challenge.
“But now he gets it. He now exactly meets the expectations, especially in the position that he’s playing. He can score and deliver assists, and he’s been free in that area, and he helps the team too much in the control of the game. Especially in the heart of the game. It’s very important to have this kind of player.”
The Buccaneers are now left with two matches before they wrap up their season. They will take on Durban City FC next weekend before they travel to Orbit College FC. They need two wins from the last two matches to secure their first league title in 14 years.
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