The Rise of Patrick Maswanganyi: From a failed Liga Portugal 2 stint to Orlando Pirates’ main man and Bafana Bafana's Themba Zwane replacement

Starting in the dusty streets of Tembisa, Patrick Maswanganyi was spotted by Farouk Khan and brought into the Stars of Africa Academy.

The academy, known for producing talents like May Mahlangu, Tokelo Rantie, and Luther Singh, played a crucial role in his development.

Stars of Africa’s strong international ties paved the way for Maswanganyi to move to Portugal in 2019.

He joined Oliveirense before moving to Académica’s U23 team, gaining valuable experience in Liga Portugal 2.

However, the young midfielder struggled to make a lasting impression during his European stint.

Returning home in 2022, he sought a fresh start. He joined SuperSport United, assisting Thamsanqa Gabuza in his debut game to secure a 3-1 win over Royal AM at Lucas Moripe Stadium.

This marked the beginning of his steady rise in South African football.

The journey back wasn’t easy. After returning from Portugal, Maswanganyi faced trials at Swallows and Cape Town City but failed to secure a contract.

Remaining determined, he continued to train with SuperSport United, eventually earning a one-year deal from the club's CEO Stanley Matthews.

Despite the uncertainty, he made 23 appearances in his debut season, showcasing his talent and resilience.

His performances didn’t go unnoticed, catching the eye of Pirates.

This move would set the stage for his breakthrough as one of South Africa’s most exciting midfielders.

Maswanganyi hit the ground running in his first season with Pirates.

He featured in over 40 games, scoring 10 goals and providing 12 assists, becoming a key figure in their attacking setup.

His performances earned him major accolades, including the PSL Players’ Player of the Season and Midfielder of the Season awards in 2024.

Additionally, he was crowned Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament, cementing his status as a rising star.

His creativity, vision, and ability to dictate the game made him an indispensable asset for the Buccaneers.

Maswanganyi earned his first Bafana call-up in 2024, making his debut against Andorra.

In just four games, he has already scored two goals, signaling his potential on the international stage.

With Themba Zwane entering the twilight of his career, questions have been raised about whether Maswanganyi can fill the void.

While his talent is undeniable, he still has much to prove at the international level.

Age is on his side, and consistent performances at club level, coupled with Caf Champions League exposure, will be key to his growth.

Head coach Hugo Broos acknowledged his promise but emphasized the need for improvement to fully establish himself in the national team setup.

“I’m very happy with the performance of Patrick. You know why, I said it already before, we need to look for someone who can replace Themba,” Broos said as reported by Goal previously.

Broos went on to explain that while Maswanganyi is adapting to the national team’s style of play, he is pleased with his progress.

"Unfortunately, we had to do it earlier. I wanted [thought] Themba should still be with us now because I know how important he is for the team, but what Patrick showed makes me happy," Broos added.

He also highlighted that Maswanganyi’s performances in recent games, where he scored twice, will surely boost his confidence.

"But he still has to improve. He still has to be more of the player who gives passes and who is very important to us, and he can. I’m sure he can do that, but it needs a little bit of time,” Broos concluded.

Despite his praise, Broos emphasized that there is still room for growth, and Maswanganyi's ability to adapt will determine his future role in the team.

As Patrick Maswanganyi looks ahead to the new season with Pirates, his focus will be on maintaining his starting position and continuing to impress in the Caf Champions League.

This competition will provide him with an opportunity to showcase his skills on the continental stage, which could elevate his profile further.

The question remains: is Maswanganyi ready for another crack at European football? Having experienced it as a teenager, he now faces a more mature decision about whether to move abroad again, possibly sacrificing his position in the national team.

A return to Portugal, where he once played in Liga Portugal 2, could be a viable option, or perhaps a move to Denmark or Sweden—where his style of play could thrive.

His current form at Pirates, including his involvement in continental football, will likely influence his next step.

For now, his priority remains helping Pirates challenge for both domestic and continental titles.

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