Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder and pundit Junior Khanye has claimed that Orlando Pirates star Patrick Maswanganyi is better than veteran midfielder Themba Zwane, seen here celebrating after scoring a goal.
Image: Phill Magakoe/AFP
Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder and pundit Junior Khanye has claimed that Orlando Pirates star Patrick Maswanganyi is better than veteran midfielder Themba Zwane.
Sundowns' Zwane is widely regarded as one of the best South African players of all time, having delivered consistent performances for both club and country for well over a decade.
The 35-year-old has been key in helping Sundowns maintain their dominance in the PSL in recent years and also helped Bafana Bafana secure a third-place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations last year.
However, Maswanganyi's outstanding performances for the Orlando Pirates this season have sparked debate about who stands as the better player between the two stars.
The two players are part of the Bafana Bafana set-up, with coach Hugo Broos largely preferring to field Zwane, while Maswanganyi is seen as a potential replacement once "Mshishi" calls time on his illustrious career.
Despite Zwane being one of the most consistent performers in the PSL over the years, Khanye believes Maswanganyi is the better player between the two.
"Tito is a star player in the country, and I think for the number 10 role, I can compare him only to Mshishi, although for me, Tito is better, without looking at the stats because Mshishi has been around for longer. Yes, Tito doesn’t have speed, but he makes up for it by using his technique excellently in terms of how he is able to run behind the defences. I also like his arrogance,” Khanye told Soccer Laduma.
“Look, I think people still remember that Mshishi had to be loaned out first before he was able to establish himself at Sundowns. He went to Mpumalanga Black Aces and came back a better player and he has improved over the years to be the top player that he is today.
The former Chiefs player also highlighted Maswanganyi's time in Portugal, adding that he also respects Zwane's achievements in the game.
“But this boy (Maswanganyi), at a very early age, went to Portugal where he played for a few years before coming back to play for SuperSport United and now at Pirates. Farouk (Khan) developed him (at the Stars of Africa Football Academy), and the results are now showing,” Khanye added.
"Don’t get me wrong, I’ve got nothing against Mshishi, and in fact, I cherish him for all of his achievements over the years and the career he has had. But right now, when it comes to the best number 10 in the PSL, Tito has no match.
"The boy has got a big heart, and if you don’t believe me, show me any player who can kick a penalty like that in the last minute of a Soweto Derby, there’s no one,” he added.
IOL Sport