Orlando Pirates attacking midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi had made an honest admission after missing out on the Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming AFCON.
The 27-year-old had initially been included in Hugo Broos’ 54-man provisional squad, but he failed to make the final 25 selected for AFCON.
- ALSO READ: Ouaddou Breaks Silence On Mabasa’s Lack Of Game Time
- Ouaddou – What I Told Pirates’ Bafana Players Ahead Of AFCON
Maswanganyi admitted he wasn’t surprised, acknowledging that his limited game time at Pirates made it unlikely for him to secure a spot.
“I think I already knew I wasn’t going to make it to the AFCON squad cause I wasn’t playing, I’d get like a few minutes to play,” Maswanganyi told Andile Ncube on SNAWA on Metro FM.
“But I think when I was called up to the national team, I had problems and I think those kind of things affect your mind and position in the national team because there’s a lot of players in the country that are working hard, doing well to be in that position.
“So, for me, I didn’t even think about it, cause I knew already I wasn’t going to make it. “
He admitted he had been eager to experience the thrill of AFCON, but the opportunity ultimately slipped away.
“[Desire to be at AFCON is there] because everyone wants to be there but if you can’t be there you can’t force things,” he added.
“I think I need to work hard and wait for my opportunity if it’s gonna come again. I’m working hard to get my place in the team first, if I do well there first, then I stand a chance to be in the national team.”
Did you know that the iDiski Times Digital Newspaper is completely free! Download it now by clicking the button below or fill in the form to have it sent to you every week.
