Riveiro: Maswanganyi Puts Himself On The Line
Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has reserved special praise for attacking midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi, stating that the 26-year-old is subjected to constant criticism because he puts himself on the line for the team.
The former SuperSport United playmaker converted a last-gasp Panenka penalty to hand the Buccaneers bragging rights against archrivals Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto derby at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
With the game set to be a goalless stalemate before the penalty call from referee Masixole Bambiso, Riveiro says he knew that should a nervy moment arise Maswanganyi will be the man to step up and lift the team.
“With the penalty, I’m not used to sit there [on the bench] and anticipate what’s going to happen – not because I don’t trust the players. But this time I knew [Maswanganyi will take it], I’m not trying to sound a bit cocky but just a little bit I knew,” said the Spanish mentor.
“I knew if something like this happens, he’s going to take the ball, and as much as people want to criticize Patrick sometimes, in my coaching perspective give me players that always want to be on the ball in situations like these when things are not going well.”
The 49-year-old tactician expressed his admiration for the fan favorite’s style of play and insists that he prefers Tito, as the player is fondly known, to express himself freely on the field as it gets the best out of him despite admitting it puts the player under the spotlight of scrutiny.
“And he’s making mistakes because he’s putting himself on the line always, so we are blessed to have a player like him around. As much as he’s doing things that are hard to understand, I do [understand] because I want him to be himself on the field,” added the Bucs coach.
“That’s the way we can get the best part of Patrick in every game and I think he showed [in the derby] that he has that kind of personality for those moments when the situation is crucial and critical, not easy to take and not many can do that.
“Obviously, if it’s not going well it’s going to be another discussion but again, I’m very happy for him after what happened in Cape Town [missed penalty vs City] to get a scenario like this, 94 minutes on the clock, so fantastic mentality.”
The Sea Robbers have accumulated 30 points after 12 matches played in the Betway Premiership and will visit in-form Sekhukhune United in their next league outing on Wednesday evening at Peter Mokaba Stadium.
