Orlando Pirates midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi has opened up on a sensational first season at the Buccaneers, which saw him scoop three accolades at the PSL Awards on Sunday.
The 26-year-old joined Pirates at the beginning of the campaign from SuperSport United and has gone on to become a key figure for the side.
'Tito', as he is fondly known, made 40 appearances across all competitions, with 10 goals and 12 assists next to his name, a direct contribution to 22 of the Soweto giants' overall goal tally this past season.
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Maswanganyi was also the biggest winner at the 2023/24 PSL Awards, scooping the Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament, DStv Premiership Midfielder of the Season and DStv Premiership Players' Player of the Season.
Speaking on the new season of Bucs Camp, the Tembisa-born star revealed he had not expected to be a key player in his first season at the Houghton-based outfit.
"I think, for me, when I arrived here, even though the pre-season is Spain was good – I didn't think I would be someone that is starting games an Orlando Pirates.
"I didn't expect that there would be a time when I'm starting games. For me, this season I had told myself that I would push just to be in the team, to get in some minutes, but through hard work and dedication, I'm able to start games.
"Now I'm at a space where I don't want to be on the bench, I don't want to be taken off, I want to be constantly playing. I want to make sure I'm dedicated and I continue progressing."
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Maswanganyi also made his debut for Bafana Bafana, being tipped by head coach Hugo Broos as a possible replacement for 34-year-old Themba Zwane.
"I hope he takes this chance because he is a player with the right qualities," Broos said of Maswanganyi in May.
"He may not be as good and experienced as Themba at the moment, but he can reach that level. All we need to do is give him the confidence and hope that we have made the right decision."