When A Fan Tried To Reward Patrick Maswanganyi With Cold, Hard Cash

• During a thrilling Soweto derby, Orlando Pirates’ Patrick Maswanganyi celebrated his match-winning penalty by having a pitch invader attempt to reward him with cash.
• Maswanganyi pulled off a cheeky Panenka penalty after referee Masixole Bambiso awarded a late spot-kick, leading to a 1-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs on February 1, 2025.
• Social media erupted as fans admired Maswanganyi’s gutsy move and wished the fan had been allowed to reward the player.

The drama of the Soweto derby reached new heights when an enthusiastic Orlando Pirates supporter took matters into his own hands. After Patrick Maswanganyi scored a late penalty to secure a 1-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs, a fan invaded the pitch with one goal in mind: to reward the midfielder with cold, hard cash. This unexpected gesture captured the hearts of fans everywhere, showcasing just how much soccer means to people.

The scene unfolded during stoppage time on February 1, 2025, as Maswanganyi confidently stepped up to take the Panenka penalty that would ultimately decide the match. The fan, clearly overwhelmed by the moment, rushed onto the field, determined to show his appreciation for the star's bravery and skill. Though security intervened quickly, the gesture left a lasting impression on both players and spectators alike.

That Fan Who Tried to Reward Maswanganyi

Check out the moment captured in the video below where the fan attempts to hand over the cash to Maswanganyi:

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While Maswanganyi politely declined the fan's generous offer, the gesture didn't go unnoticed. Fans from across the country took to social media to express their admiration for the midfielder's composure under pressure. Many even joked that the fan should have been allowed to complete the transaction, highlighting the unique connection between players and their supporters.

Former PSL referee Errol Sweeney weighed in on the controversial penalty call, stating that referee Masixole Bambiso shouldn't have played the advantage but ultimately defended the decision. Despite the debate, Maswanganyi received widespread praise for his performance, proving once again why he's considered one of the top talents in South African football.

Following the victory, Pirates remained in second place on the PSL log, trailing leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by six points. However, the Soweto giants still have a game in hand, keeping their title hopes alive.

Watch Maswanganyi's iconic penalty in the video below:

Maswanganyi's Cheeky Penalty Wows Fans

The decision to execute a cheeky Panenka penalty during such a high-stakes match left fans in awe. This move was particularly impressive given that Maswanganyi had missed a crucial spot-kick against Cape Town City just a few weeks prior. Fans couldn't help but marvel at his ability to bounce back and deliver in the clutch.

With the Soweto derby behind them, Pirates face a crucial stretch of games. First up is a midweek encounter against Sekhukhune United on February 5, followed by a marquee matchup against Mamelodi Sundowns on February 8. The clash against Sundowns presents an opportunity for Pirates to close the gap at the top of the standings, while Sundowns will take on SuperSport United in their next fixture.

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Fans Shower Maswanganyi with Praise

Social media lit up as local football fans showered Maswanganyi with praise, expressing their admiration for the midfielder's bravery and skill. Many agreed that the fan who attempted to reward him deserved recognition for their passion and dedication to the sport.

TumeloTiger1 chimed in, supporting the fan's actions:

"Fans still passionate about the sport! This is good to see; hope @GaytonMcK is watching."

Pookiepolls, a proud Bucs supporter, celebrated the victory:

"What a result! Up the Bucs!"

SiphoKolanisi1 felt Maswanganyi should have accepted the gift:

"Unfortunate players are not allowed to take gifts from fans."

TMukuru79338 hailed Maswanganyi's incredible performance:

"The boy took one of the greatest penalties that will be stored in the records of the world. He's the greatest player, even a living legend like Zinedine Zidane is watching with a smile. Well done boooooy."

Tello Sibeko admired Maswanganyi's courage:

"Some people are brave. Just imagine if he had missed. I still get goosebumps every time I think about that penalty."

Tregboy Mbele noted the impact of the penalty:

"That penalty is hurting people."

Jack Msokoli offered their take on the Panenka:

"Panenka means a slow motion."

Pholoba BN acknowledged the risk Maswanganyi took:

"If he had missed. He would be still crying like a baby."

Mlungy Gama expressed respect for Maswanganyi's character:

"That penalty in the 90+ minutes after missing the one in Cape Town, says a lot about Tito's character."

Param Joseph provided an insightful analysis of the match:

"Soft penalty, the ref could have let it pass in my opinion. On paper, Pirates could not lose but the game is played on the pitch and not on paper. From my side a big ups to the Chiefs team for the fight they put up. Now take that into all future games and Chiefs could easily climb up the log nicely. In ending, I say that was a very well-taken penalty."

Overseas Interest in Patrick Maswanganyi

According to reports from Briefly News, Patrick Maswanganyi has caught the attention of Portuguese side UD Oliveirense. The midfielder's journey to stardom began in Portugal, where he spent his youth career before returning to South Africa to play for SuperSport and Pirates. This latest development underscores the growing recognition of Maswanganyi's talents on the global stage, further cementing his status as one of the brightest stars in South African football.