South African football icon Doctor Khumalo has expressed his confidence in Orlando Pirates midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi as a potential long-term replacement for Bafana Bafana playmaker Themba Zwane. The discussion around Maswanganyi stepping into Zwane’s shoes intensified following Zwane’s Achilles injury, sustained during Bafana’s 1-1 draw against Congo Brazzaville.
Maswanganyi, who scored his debut international goal in Bafana’s 2-0 victory over Uganda, has faced mixed reviews. Some criticized his performance when he replaced Zwane in Brazzaville, but Khumalo believes the young star deserves more opportunities to find his rhythm on the international stage.
Speaking on the DNA Podcast, Khumalo stated:
“Maswanganyi hasn’t had many chances to shine for Bafana yet. At Pirates, he’s consistently shown his quality and understanding of their style of play. Expecting him to seamlessly replicate what Zwane or Teboho Mokoena delivers, especially in a high-stakes away match, is unrealistic.”
Khumalo compared Maswanganyi’s situation to training for a marathon, highlighting the importance of preparation:
“For a player to thrive, they need time to adjust to the team’s dynamics. Maswanganyi is still learning how to connect with players like Mokoena or Bathusi Aubaas, but his Pirates experience shows he has the talent.”
The legendary midfielder emphasized Maswanganyi’s potential to bring creativity to the team:
“He can turn on the magic when supported properly. If Zwane isn’t available, Maswanganyi can step up. It’s about nurturing his confidence and giving him the time to grow into the role.”
Khumalo urged fans and analysts to view Maswanganyi’s development on a broader scale rather than judging him based on isolated performances. He concluded that having a player like Maswanganyi is a critical advantage, especially in the absence of a seasoned figure like Zwane.
