Orlando Pirates attacker Patrick Maswanganyi is among the candidates for the PSL Footballer of the Season, according to coach Jose Riveiro.

Maswanganya, who Pirates signed from SuperSport United during the off-season, scored a penalty as Sea Robbers hammered Royal AM 4-0 in the DStv Premiership at Harry Gwala Stadium on Sunday. 

The 26-year-old has featured in 34 matches in all competitions with Pirates, scoring nine goals in those matches.  

He has also earned more Man of the Match awards than anyone this season, five in all including in the win over Royal AM.     

“I think people are in love with him,” Riveiro replied to Sportswire. 

“And who Am I to say who should love or identify player of the season? I think South African football fans have good taste in football, they know about the football they want to see and let’s see.  

“In the end, as I said, it is important as a team that we are getting good results and performances so that the individuals can shine. He is a clear candidate, but let’s see.”   

Maswanganyi will face strong competition for the award as Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena said Ronwen Williams is with a big shout to claim the award, having defined the new goalkeeper role in the country.  

Other competitors that Maswanganyi will face will be Sundowns’ striker Lucas Ribeiro Costa and Stellenbosch FC striker Iqraam Rayners, who netted five goals as Stellies hammered Polokwane City 5-0 on Saturday.   

As usual, Maswanganyi stepped on top of the ball against Royal AM on Sunday, raising the huge excitement at the stadium and Riveiro was asked if it was something he was encouraging him to do to lift himself and the crowd.  

“I didn’t see him honest (doing that),” said Riveiro. 

“Did he step on the ball today? I didn’t see, I don’t know.”  

The last player at Pirates to win the PSL Footballer of the Season was Thembinkosi Lorch in the 2018/19 season, who left the club in January to join Sundowns.