Patrick Maswanganyi at the heart of Orlando Pirates and Bafana plans

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has big plans for Orlando Pirates star Patrick Maswanganyi, as does club coach Jose Riveiro.

Speaking to the press, Broos highlighted the bright future of Maswanganyi.

Bright future for Patrick Maswanganyi

Broos believes that Maswanganyi could pull the strings for the national team from midfield.

His recent efforts for Orlando Pirates have only backed that up.

“So what I saw from him and I think he can be the one for the future [to replace Themba Zwane]” said Hugo Broos according to FARPost.

“This is what I want to see from him in Bafana Bafana, so when he can achieve that level also with us, he can be someone for the future. He can be someone who can replace Themba [Zwane] in the future.

“I don’t think about to replace Themba now. But we have to think: Themba is nearly 35, so he will be 36 or 37 in 2026. When you’re at that age, it can happen [retirement], and then we have to be ready.

“So let’s hope that he’s [Patrick Maswanganyi] the one and that we solved that problem already for the near future.”

Orlando Pirates fans in love with Patrick Maswanganyi

Riverio believes Maswanganyi is widely loved for the type of football he produces.

The coach backed his star to be named player of the season this term.

“I think people are in love with him. Who am I to say who the people should love or identify as the player of the season? I think South African football fans have a good taste in football, they know the football they want to see, and let’s see [who wins],” said Riveiro according to SABC Sport.

“In the end, it’s important that the team is getting good results, good performances and within that the individuals can shine, and [Maswanganyi] is a clear candidate, but let’s see.”

Looking ahead

Broos has said that he is looking to the future with these players.

“Certainly, I am also looking to the future. I said it already, there are a few players in our group who will be 35, 34, 36 when the FIFA World Cup is jointly hosted in Canada, Mexico and the United States of America in 2026,” he told SAFA.net.

“So yes, we have to look for replacements also. Firstly, we have to see those games as an opportunity to give new players, younger players, to show if they are at Bafana Bafana level. Secondly, we are playing against two different styles of opponents. On one side you have Andorra and you can compare them to Namibia. So, a tough team, a team who will wait and try to be dangerous in transition.

“On the other side, you have Algeria, ranked fifth in the CAF rankings. So that means you have two different styles, and it is good for the South African senior men’s team, certainly also to play against Andorra, but certainly to play against such a good team like Algeria.

“They have a new coach, they will have new players also in their selection. So, it will be a good test for those new players who are with us to prove themselves. Therefore, those friendly games are important, and you have to get the results if you want to keep your 10th place or maybe progress even further in the CAF ranking.”