Ngubane urges Pirates’ Maswanganyi to find focus before potential move

Former South Africa coach and football legend Mlungisi Ngubane has called on Orlando Pirates midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi to change his attitude and show greater commitment to his football as he considers a possible move away from the club.

Maswanganyi, 28, is believed to be close to leaving Pirates. The attacking midfielder has been linked with a switch to Pyramids FC, the Egyptian side managed by Rulani Mokwena, while an unnamed club from Bahrain is also reportedly interested in him.

He was absent as Pirates beat Sekhukhune United 1-0 in the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.

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. However, he urged the player to apply himself more seriously, wherever his future lies.

“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 does not believe Pirates face a serious shortage of players despite the recent loss of Relebohile Mofokeng and Kabelo Dlamini’s ongoing recovery from injury.

The former coach said the club’s ability to bring young players into the first team meant it could cope with absences. Pirates have also recently added Thapelo Mokobodi, who joined from Stellenbosch and has impressed since making the move.

“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.”

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

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