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Pirates boss praises Maswanganyi’s ‘ice-cold’ derby winner

  • Maswanganyi scored a bold chip penalty in stoppage time to give Pirates a famous derby win over Chiefs.
  • The Pirates coach praises his player’s bravery for taking on the pressure of the big moment.

Orlando Pirates star Patrick Maswanganyi kept his cool to score a cheeky stoppage-time penalty that sank Kaizer Chiefs in Sunday’s Soweto derby.

The 26-year-old midfielder chipped his penalty into the net at a packed FNB Stadium, sending Pirates fans wild with joy.

Pirates coach Jose Riveiro applauded Maswanganyi’s bravery in taking such a risky penalty in the biggest game of the season.

“As much as people criticise Patrick, for me, from the coaching perspective, give me players that always want to be on the ball in situations like that, in games like today and when things are not going well,” Riveiro told reporters.

“He always wants the ball. And he’s making mistakes because he’s putting himself on the line all the time. So, we’re blessed to have a player like him around.”

The win puts Pirates in second place, but they are still six points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have played one game less.

Riveiro was full of praise for his match-winner, who stepped up when it mattered most.

“I think today he showed that he has that kind of personality to ask for those moments when the situation is crucial and critical and not easy to take.”

“There’s not many personalities like that. If it’s not going well it’s going to be...I know the discussion [criticism].

“But I’m happy for him after what happened in Cape Town to get a responsibility today in a scenario like this one in the 94th minute. So, yeah, fantastic mentality.”

Pictured above: Patrick Maswanganyi.

Source: @sahil_e_