Sono, when speaking at Jomo Cosmos' sponsorship reveal event with Lucas Batteries, cast doubt on Maswanganyi's suitability for the iconic jersey, claiming that comparisons to him were unnecessary and potentially harmful.
"My current advice for the number 10? Keep on wearing the jersey and play football, finish," Sono said. He went on to caution against comparing Maswanganyi with him, suggesting that many players before him had failed to live up to expectations.
"Don't compare Maswanganyi with me. He's a good number ten for Orlando Pirates, let him stay as the number 10 for Pirates. You can't compare an elephant to an ant. I was an elephant."
In an interview featured on Pirates' Bucs Camp series, Maswanganyi finally addressed Sono's comments. While expressing respect for the legendary player, Maswanganyi stressed the importance of mutual support and encouragement in the football world, especially when it comes from those who have paved the way.
"As a person, you shouldn't look down on anyone regardless of who you are and what you do," Maswanganyi said.
"I think for the fact that I play for the same team you played for and did well in, I think a person like him should instead be supportive so that we can also believe we can reach his heights."
"Because we're here to try outdo those before us and many will still come to surpass us. So, if he can't teach us to treat the next Orlando Pirates players right, we won't want to either, we'll feel like we're just returning the favour for how we were treated."
