Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Bruce is impressed with the Orlando Pirates midfielder's long-term potential.
Speaking to reporters after Bafana's team announcement, the Blues highlighted Patrick Maswangany's bright future.
Brus feels that Maswangany can lead the national team from midfield.
Orlando Pirates star backs Bafana's bright future
Maswanganyi's recent effort against Orlando Pirates only confirms that.
“So that’s what I saw from him and I think he has the potential to be the future.” [to replace Themba Zwane]'' Hugo Bruce said, according to FARPost.
“I saw him play on Wednesday.” [against Cape Town Spurs]And after the game, I talked to Hermann. [Mkhalele].But I saw him play on Saturday. [against Kaizer Chiefs]and he had a very good match.
“This is what I expect from him at Bafana Bafana, so if he can reach that level with us, he can be a future player. He could be a great replacement for Themba. There is a possibility that [Zwane] future.
“I'm not thinking about replacing Themba right now. But we have to think about it. Themba is almost 35 years old, so in 2026 he will be 36 or 37. Then, it could happen. [retirement]and have to prepare.
“So let's hope he is.” [Patrick Maswanganyi] That means we've already solved that problem for the foreseeable future. ”
focus on the future
The Bulls said they are looking to the future with these players.
“Certainly, I am also looking to the future. As I have already said, when the FIFA World Cup is co-hosted in Canada, Mexico and the United States in 2026, we will have 35-year-olds, 34-year-olds, We have some players who are 36 years old,” he said, according to SAFA.net. .
“Yes, we have to look for a replacement too. Firstly, we have to look at these games as an opportunity to show new players and young players whether they are at the level of Bafana Bafana. Secondly, we are playing against opponents of two different styles. On the one hand we have Andorra, who can be compared with Namibia. That is, a tough team, waiting and taking risks in transition. This is a team that is trying to do that.
“On the other side we have Algeria, who are ranked fifth in the CAF rankings. That means we have two different styles, but for the South African senior men's team, of course it is also good to play against Andorra But it's also certainly good to play against a great team like Algeria.
“They have a new coach and there will also be new players in their selection. So for the new players who are with us, it will be a good test to prove themselves. These friendlies are important and we have to get results if we want to maintain our 10th place or move further in the CAF rankings.”
Bafana Bafana FIFA Break Team
Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Bruce Buvuma (Kaizer Chiefs), Ricardo Goss (SuperSport United)
Defender: Sydney Moby (Sekhukhune United), Grant Kekana, Terence Mashego, Aubrey Modiba, Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Nkosinati Sibisi, Thapelo Shoki (Orlando Pirates), Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB) ,Romania)
Midfielder: Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns) Sfephelo Sithole (Portugal, CD Tondela), Goodman Mosele (Chippa United), Grant Margeman (SuperSport United)
forward: Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Oswin Apolis (Polokwane City), Elias Mokwena (Polokwane City), Mihlali Mayambela (Cyprus, Alice Limassol), Mlondi Mbanjwa (AmaZulu), Patrick Maswanganyi ( Orlando Pirates), Ikram Rainers (Stellenbosch FC), Kaniso Mayo (Cape Town City).
