Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye has made a bold claim, stating that Orlando Pirates playmaker Patrick Tito Maswanganyi is superior to Mamelodi Sundowns star Themba Zwane.
Since Tito joined the Buccaneers in 2023, fans have often compared him to Zwane, despite their nine-year age gap. Khanye, an analyst on iDiski Times, is a big admirer of both players but firmly believes Maswanganyi is the better of the two.
“I consider Tito a star player in the country. When it comes to the number 10 role, I can only compare him to Mshishi, but for me, Tito is better, even without considering the stats. Yes, Mshishi has been around longer, and Tito may not have the same speed, but he compensates for that with excellent technique and his ability to make runs behind defences. I also admire his confidence,” Khanye told Soccer Laduma.
Fans Often Compare Tito Maswanganyi and Themba Zwane
Khanye points out that people often forget that Mshishi (Zwane) had to be loaned out to Mpumalanga Black Aces before becoming the top player he is today at Sundowns. He also highlighted Tito’s impressive journey, mentioning that at a young age, he went to Portugal, where he played before returning to South Africa with SuperSport United and now Orlando Pirates.
“Farouk Khan developed him at the Stars of Africa Football Academy, and we’re now seeing the results of that development,” Khanye added.
Both Tito and Themba Zwane are part of the current Bafana Bafana setup, with Tito emerging as the preferred choice.
“I have nothing against Mshishi, and I respect everything he has achieved over the years, but right now, when it comes to the best number 10 in the PSL, Tito is unmatched. The boy has a big heart, and if you don’t believe me, just show me any player who can take a penalty like he did in the last minute of a Soweto derby—there’s no one,” Khanye continued.
Khanye believes that Tito has now overtaken Themba Zwane as the country’s top playmaker.
