Former PSL star Masibusane Zongo argues that Patrick Maswanganyi is underrated despite his contributions to Orlando Pirates. This season, Maswanganyi has featured in 29 games, scoring eight goals and providing three assists.
Zongo believes that many coaches recognize Maswanganyi’s talent. He describes him as very intelligent and effective off the ball, stating, “Tito he is very intelligent.” Zongo adds, “I believe his skill is more effective, and off the ball his runs are good and he puts an effort in his game.”
Maswanganyi has received multiple call-ups to Bafana Bafana, further showcasing his abilities on a national level. However, Zongo criticizes the trend of South African players being forced into playing styles influenced by European coaches.
Despite not being a regular starter this season, Maswanganyi remains a key player for Orlando Pirates. His supporters affectionately refer to him as ‘Tito’.
Zongo concludes that while some may overlook Maswanganyi’s contributions, most coaches understand his quality. The ongoing discussions about player development in South African football highlight the need for a more tailored approach to coaching local talent.
