Patrick “Tito” Maswanganyi, the playmaker and crowd favourite for Orlando Pirates, once again won over the Buccaneers’ ardent supporters with a standout performance against Orbit College on Tuesday night.
This is after Maswanganyi, whose game had dropped tremendously, was substituted in the 38th minute in the MTN8 semi-final clash against Mamelodi Sundowns in Atteridgeville on Saturday.
Although the dribbling wizard had a slow start against the newcomers at a packed Orlando Stadium, he quickly picked up the pace and momentum and played a crucial role in the Pirates’ arduous 1-0 victory.
He was even rewarded with the Man of the Match accolade, his first in the new 2025/26 Betway Premiership season.
The Thembisa-born midfielder clarified that he has gained enough experience to understand and not take things personally after his substitution.
“The game that we played against Mamelodi Sundowns was a difficult game, but I got over it because the coach spoke to me,” said Maswanganyi.
Man of the Match accolade
After Pirates won, he told Supersport: “I had to understand that the decision that he made — I had to understand that it’s not personal, it’s a tactical decision, and we knew it’s going to help us during the game.”
Maswanganyi also expressed his gratitude to his teammates for their support during challenging times.
“I think it’s the love that I get from my teammates; they make sure that I push. I think they know that as long as I’m here, I’m going to work hard for them. So tonight, I had to come and play, and I did well. I’m too old to be disappointed.
“I think you need to man up and show the younger ones that even though the coach makes a decision you think is bad, it’s good for the team, as long as the team is winning and we know what we’re working towards,” he added.
He went on to say that it meant a lot to him to win Man of the Match, especially since it was his first this season.
“It means a lot. Last season I didn’t even get one. I’m working very hard to collect more. It’s not the first and not the end.”
