Bafana Bafana’s new hope: The player who could fill Themba Zwane’s shoes

Mamelodi Sundowns talisman Themba Zwane is, without a doubt, an exceptional footballer whose shoes could prove too big to fill in the Bafana Bafana set-up.

At 34, Zwane is at the twilight of his illustrious career, which has deservedly yielded multiple trophies and individual accolades alike. 

The one conversation that many would shudder to have is about who replaces him at national team level when he finally calls it a day.

Interestingly, at the weekend, when a deep cut under his left eye ruled him out of Bafana’s friendly matches against Namibia and DRC, Hugo Broos had to call in a replacement.

Kaizer Chiefs winger Pule Mmodi, with three goals since joining Amakhosi during the offseason, was the man picked to take up Mshishi’s place. 

However, it is hard to see how he would fit into the role Zwane plays for Bafana. Even after a search through the entire Bafana squad, it is hard to see any other player who can aptly perform that role on Saturday against Namibia and Tuesday against DRC.

WHO’S THE PLAYER WHO COULD FILL THEMBA ZWANE’S SHOES?

Farouk Khan, a man who wears the cap of former Chiefs and Sundowns assistant coach, one of the country’s best youth development coaches and television analyst, has had his say on a player he feels could solve the impending number 10 conundrum at Bafana.

“I don’t want to tell the national coach what to do, but it’s clear to see that Tito [Patrick Maswanganyi] has the attributes to complement the Bafana attack force,” he told FARPost. 

“Can you imagine if Tito is there with Lyle Foster? He’s a very difficult player to mark. It’s like if you look at Man City, Bernardo Silva. These are players that don’t lose the ball. If you kick them, it’s a penalty.

“He’s [Maswanganyi] very elusive. He’s not just a playmaker; he’s a goal-scorer as well. I would have thought that he would be the replacement [for Zwane].”

The Orlando Pirates midfielder has had an incredible start to life at the Bucs. During the club’s pre-season tour to Spain, he scored three goals. After six starts, he already has two goals and three assists to his name. 

Although it’s too early, he has been instrumental in how Coach Jose Riveiro’s Buccaneers play. 

Riveiro, known to the media for refusing to single out players for praise, recently hailed the 25-year-old attacker.

“For me, if I have to highlight anything about the new players, new in this environment and playing for Pirates is not easy. So, to start showing the [performance] level from the first day and the first game we played is something to highlight,” said Riveiro.

“I’m happy to see the guy’s progression [Maswanganyi]. It’s important to understand that he is surrounded by good players, which makes things a little bit easier for every team member.”

Maswanganyi is known for his dribbling skills, passing ability, and creativity. He is also a good goal scorer.

At the weekend, while Pirates were trailing against 10-man Stellenbosch FC, the Tembisa-born star produced two assists, helping the Soweto giants to a 2-1 victory. 

WHAT SETS PATRICK MASWANGANYI APART?

While he may not be similar to Zwane in many ways, they are both skilful midfielders who can create chances for their teammates and score goals. They are also good at dribbling past defenders. 

Maswanganyi is also versatile, as he can play in a variety of positions in midfield. Besides playing just behind strikers, he can function as a box-to-box midfielder and on either wing.

“He’s become a very important player in this Orlando Pirates team.

“He has a huge engine. He’s a box-to-box player. He’s not only good in the offensive phase of the game, he’s also very good in tracking back. 

“Tito is very elusive, hard to read, creative on the ball, and has an educated left. He’s a playmaker-par-excellence, very capable of scoring goals. Tito is a complete package.”

If Maswanganyi continues to develop his game, he could be the perfect player to replace Zwane in Bafana. He has the potential to be a star for the national team. 

When asked if he knew Maswanganyi on Monday, Bafana coach Hugo Broos gave a two-word answer: “No comment.”

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