Ever since Bafana Bafana head coach, Hugo Broos, alluded to Orlando Pirates creative midfielder, Patrick Maswanganyi being a future possible replacement for Mamelodi Sundowns top-performer, Themba Zwane, in his team, the social media streets have been abuzz with comparisons between the two players. Every Tom, Dick and Harry has had an opinion, with most questioning the coach’s wisdom as they believe the two players are worlds apart.
The Belgian mentor sang praises of the Pirates star but was quick to lament his inconsistency. This was on the back of an impressive performances by the 26-year-old attacker since joining the Houghton-based club at the beginning of the season. From the 23 league matches played by Bucs, Tito was voted the Man of the Match six times, making him the player with the most such accolades so far this season. That speaks to the impact he’s had so far this season for coach Jose Riveiro’s team. People are already making comparison between the two players with an overwhelming feeling that the Bucs star is nothing compared to his Brazilian counterpart. Maswanganyi is not Themba Zwane, so let’s quickly get that out of the way. These are two players that both have a role to play in the national team at the same time. They can both contribute immensely to our style of play and ensure that we maintain our football identity because they are typical South African footballers.
They are both fantastic to watch especially in the final third, creating and scoring goals for their respective teams. They are both skillful and blessed with an ability to create spaces and play in the pockets. They are good at playing between the lines and getting their teams to tick, which is never easy. You also have to consider the simple but seemingly not obvious fact that Tito is in his first full season, his second season in the elite league, at Pirates while Mshishi has been around the block for more than a decade. The two players are at the opposite end of the spectrum in their respective careers, with Mshishi at 34 while his Tembisa homeboy and friend is 26. The age difference and PSL experience says it all, and therefore more of a reason the two can’t be compared. The Bafana Bafana experience or lack thereof is also telling.
