With opinion still divided on Patrick Maswanganyi's suitability to replace Themba Zwane, the Orlando Pirates midfielder has netted twice in two matches for Bafana Bafana, much to the delight of head coach Hugo Broos.
Bafana went to the last two matches of the 2025 AFCON Qualifiers without talismanic midfielder Zwane, who is nursing a lengthy injury sustained during the second of the two back-to-back qualifiers against Congo-Brazzaville.
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Called up as a replacement was Maswanganyi, who found himself on the receiving end of criticism from social media as Bafana struggled to a 1-1 draw after coming on to continue from where the Tembisa native had left off.
The reigning PSL Players' Player of the Season has continued to gain the confidence of big boss Broos and started both subsequent encounters against Uganda and South Sudan.
Maswanganyi netted the opening goal in a 2-0 win over the Cranes last Friday and the second goal in a 3-0 win over South Sudan just days later.
While for some, that may still not be enough to fit the almost immortal boots of Zwane, for the Belgian tactician, the playmaker is making steady progress.
"I'm very happy with the performance of Patrick. I said it already before we need to look for someone who can replace Themba Zwane," Broos told journalists in the post-match press conference at DHL Stadium on Tuesday.
"Unfortunately, we had to do it earlier [due to Zwane's injury]. I wanted Themba to be with us now because I know how important he is for the team, but what Patrick showed today, yeah, makes me happy.
"It's not really what we want, but I asked him to play differently than at [Orlando] Pirates.
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"He has the potential, otherwise I shouldn't select him. So, with his game today, also on Friday he scored, today he scored, which will give him a boost of confidence and I am happy with his performance today. But he still have to improve.
"He still needs to play, give passes, which is very important for us and he can, I'm sure he can, but he needs a little bit of time. In the game today he did what I asked.
"I'm happy with his performance," said Broos.
Maswanganyi now links up with Orlando Pirates, who have CR Belouizdad in their sights for their CAF Champions League group stage opener next Tuesday.