Riveiro Praises Maswanganyi After Nedbank Cup Victory
Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro highlighted the impact of star attacker Patrick Maswanganyi after his side edged Richards Bay 3-1 in the Nedbank Cup round of 32 at the packed King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban on Sunday.
While Pirates rode their luck at times, particularly in the second half when Richards Bay mounted a comeback, Maswanganyi’s two first-half goals proved decisive, showcasing the team’s clinical finishing.
The match, played in front of a sold-out crowd, saw Pirates dominate possession early on. Maswanganyi opened the scoring with a well-struck shot from the edge of the box, following a brilliant pass from man-of-the-match Relebohile Mofokeng. This dynamic duo combined again shortly after, with Mofokeng playing a defense-splitting pass that allowed Maswanganyi to score his second goal.
Richards Bay pulled one goal back in the second half when Yanela Mbuthuma capitalized on a parried save from Melusi Buthelezi. The home side briefly gained ascendancy, creating a few scoring opportunities. However, Tshegofatso Mabasa sealed the victory with a late goal, assisted by Maswanganyi.
“I don’t speak about individual performances,” said Riveiro after the game in Durban.
“You should know it already. I think the team did an excellent effort including Tito himself to take the team to the next round.
“He had an important contribution to the scoreline obviously. He scored two beautifully goals and an assist, but the emphasis is about how much everybody is working to make it possible one more in this circumstances which is normal and he was the best one to play a good football match.”
Maswanganyi, the reigning PSL Players’ Player of the Season, was a crowd favorite throughout the match, with the stadium erupting in chants of “Weeh Tito, Weeh Tito” after his first goal.
This victory extends Pirates’ unbeaten record in the Nedbank Cup to 11 matches under coach Riveiro. Pirates have now joined Marumo Gallants, Chippa United, Baroka FC, Cape Town Spurs, Durban City, and Mamelodi Sundowns in the round of 16.
Picture courtesy of Orlando Pirates
