The SURPRISE first name on every Orlando Pirates team sheet

Orlando Pirates have several stars in their galaxy but there’s one man who’s always there, influencing the big matches.

Maswanganyi calls the tune for Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates have become a well-drilled unit from front to back, specialising in winning big knockout matches on the grand stages. Now, they’re becoming even more than a cup team. With seven wins from seven in the league, a first Betway Premiership crown since 2012 could be beckoning. At the heart of it all is Bafana Bafana star Patrick Maswanganyi. The 26-year-old from Thembisa has experience in {Portugal with Oliveirense. He sparkled in the 2023-2024 season, pulling the strings behind Tshegofatso Mabasa and providing five goals and five assists in the league. The puzzle pieces around him might change from time to time, but Maswanganyi is always there.

Orlando Pirates youngster Relebohile Mofokeng attracting interest from Glasgow Rangers. Image: Goal.com — Orlando Pirates youngster Relebohile Mofokeng is attracting interest from Glasgow Rangers. Image: Goal.com

Fixtures for Riveiro’s men to savour

Jose Riveiro’s men have three league encounters to prepare for in the next month and they’ve also got two tasty Caf Champions League clashes on the horizon. The visit of African champions Al Ahly on 06 December is one to get in the diary. There’s also the prospect of a meeting with Bafana and former Cape Town City striker Khanyisa Mayo when Pirates go North to face Belouizdad of Algeria on 26 November.

Belouizdad vs Pirates: Tue, 26 November, kickoff time TBC
Pirates vs Stellenbosch: Sat, 30 November, 15:30
Gallants vs Pirates: Tue, 03 December, 19:30
Pirates vs Al Ahly: Fri, 06 December, kickoff time TBC
Pirates vs Golden Arrows: Tue, 10 December, 19:30

Boost for Pirates in the title chase

Talented 28-year-old Sundowns utility star Rivaldo Coetzee was injured against Cape Town City last time out and manager Manqoba Mngqithi has confirmed that it’s serious. Influential playmaker Themba Zwane is already out long-term with an achilles problem.

“Rivaldo Coetzee’s injury is serious, he will probably be out for four weeks if not more, it’s an ACL,” Mngqithi said as per GOAL.

“He has to go for an operation I think this coming week. But it is a bad one.

“We hope he will come back when we need him the most in the later stages of the season,” he said.

Orlando Pirates betway premiership — Orlando Pirates fans are expectant on Soweto Derby Day. Image: BackpagePix

Are you a big Maswanganyi fan?

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