Broos rushes to Tito’s defense

Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos, has defended Orlando Pirates attacking midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi, saying he hasn’t had enough game-time to prove whether he can replace Themba Zwane in the national team.

Maswanganyi was brought on as substitute when Zwane suffered his long-term Achilles injury in Congo-Brazzaville, but many supporters were critical of his brief appearance.

There had been talks that Maswanganyi could become Zwane’s long-term replacement in Broos’ side after an impressive 2023/24 season.

“I don’t think Patrick did have already a good opportunity, he was always coming in the game,” he told the media on Thursday.

“And it was not so easy to come in the game in Congo, because we suffered in that game. And then it’s not easy for a team, for a player who plays his first minutes with the Bafana Bafana immediately to have an important role. So okay, we will see in the next games, and we will evaluate. But I’m still believing that he has the potential to replace Themba. He didn’t show it for the moment in Bafana Bafana, but okay, we will see.

He has urged the Bafana fans to exercise a bit of patience.

“And maybe in a few months we have to say no or maybe yes, we will see.” Written by Ntsako Mkhari