Ngubane calls on Maswanganyi to show greater discipline amid Pirates exit links

South African football legend Mlungisi Ngubane has urged Orlando Pirates midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi to change his attitude and take his career more seriously, amid reports that the 28-year-old is close to leaving the club.

Maswanganyi has been linked with a move to Pyramids FC, the Egyptian side managed by Rulani Mokwena, as well as an unnamed club in Bahrain.

The attacking midfielder was absent as Pirates beat Sekhukhune United 1-0 in the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday. His omission has added to speculation over his future, although no move has been confirmed.

Ngubane, who received the Andrew Mlangeni Green Jacket at the annual SA Sports Awards ceremony in Sun City on Sunday, believes Pirates would feel Maswanganyi’s departure but says the player must make better use of his ability.

“My advice to Maswanganyi is that he must change his attitude. He must take football seriously because he is talented,” Ngubane told Sowetan.

“Sometimes we don’t see his talent because he takes football for granted. He must be very serious. He has a lot to offer. We’ve not seen the best of him. Maybe he is going overseas, and we will then see the best of him because he will be out of his comfort zone.

“Going overseas will help him change his attitude. They don’t play; they give you a contract and the money you want, but there is no room for error.

“You can’t just do as you want. He is going to have to change. All I want from him is that he must stay humble and disciplined because coaches there are no joke.”

Ngubane said a move abroad could force Maswanganyi to adapt to greater demands and remove him from the environment in which he is most comfortable. He also warned that coaches outside South Africa would expect a high level of professionalism and leave little tolerance for mistakes.

Despite Pirates recently losing Relebohile Mofokeng and Kabelo Dlamini recovering from injury, Ngubane does not believe the club is facing a shortage of players.

“Pirates have a lot of talent. They are lucky because when they promote a youngster, they always seem to fit it,” he said.

“It won’t be much of a problem if those players are not available. Already they have a young boy from Stellenbosch [Thapelo Mokobodi]. He is doing well for Pirates. And we’ve not yet seen much of a guy from Norway [Sebastian Pedersen],whom I believe is a good player.

“I saw some good touches from him. Maybe he can make things happen for Pirates and take the pressure off [Yanele] Mbuthuma and [Evidence] Makgopa.”

Mokobodi has impressed since being brought into the Pirates squad, while Ngubane believes Sebastian Pedersen could also provide an attacking solution once given more opportunities.

Pirates return to Betway Premiership action on Tuesday when they host Sekhukhune United at Orlando Stadium. They will be looking to preserve their position at the top of the table.