South African football legend Mlungisi ‘Professor’ Ngubane has urged Orlando Pirates star Patrick Maswanganyi to adjust his attitude and approach his career with greater seriousness.
Maswanganyi’s future at the Buccaneers has become a subject of intense speculation. The exit rumours gained further traction following comments by Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou after the Soweto giants secured a 1-0 MTN8 semi-final first-leg victory over Sekhukhune United at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
The 28-year-old was a high-profile omission from the matchday squad in Polokwane. Post-match, Ouaddou confirmed that despite Maswanganyi being fit, his exclusion was down to non-tactical reasons.
The Bafana Bafana international has been linked with a move to Bahrain in West Asia, alongside unconfirmed interest from Egyptian side Pyramids FC, currently led by former Pirates and Sundowns mentor Rulani Mokwena.
This comes as friction between Maswanganyi and Ouaddou has been brewing for some time. In one of the Pirates documentaries, the pair were captured in a heated argument that required intervention from teammates and technical staff. Maswanganyi was heard saying in Sesotho: “This guy has a problem with me.”
Furthermore, on several occasions after being substituted, the midfielder appeared to snub the head coach’s handshakes and hugs on the touchline.
PROFESSOR NGUBANE ISSUES TIMELY ADVICE TO MASWANGANYI
Speaking at the 19th SA Sport Awards at Sun City on Sunday, Ngubane addressed whether the Soweto giants would feel the absence of the skilled playmaker should he depart. While acknowledging his quality, the outspoken former Durban Bush Bucks and AmaZulu FC dribbling wizard offered direct advice.
“They will [miss him]. But my advice to Maswanganyi is that he must change his attitude,” Ngubane told journalists. “He must take football seriously because he is talented. Sometimes you don’t see his talent because he takes football for granted. He must be very serious because he has a lot to offer. We haven’t seen the best of him. Maybe now that he’s going overseas, we are going to see the best of him because he will be out of his comfort zone.”
WHY A MOVE ABROAD COULD UNLOCK MASWANGANYI’S BEST FORM
The 70-year-old mentor added that stepping out of the local scene into a foreign league could provide the exact wake-up call the midfielder needs to reach his ceiling.
“Overseas they don’t play. They give you a contract, they give you the money you want,” added Ngubane. “But there is no room for error. You can’t do as you wish. He is going to change. All I want from him is that he must stay humble and disciplined because coaches abroad are no joke.”
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