While Patrick Maswanganyi’s recent performances have earned him praise and adoration from fans, the legendary Jomo Sono has shared his unfiltered thoughts.
The Orlando Pirates fan favourite, Maswanganyi, recently wore the iconic No. 10 jersey, once donned by legends like Jomo Sono himself.
Steve Lekoelea was the last player to consistently wear the iconic number 10 in domestic league matches until a disciplinary issue in the 2001/02 season. In the years since, the number has only been seen sporadically, primarily in CAF club competitions where roster restrictions necessitate the use of all available squad numbers.
Maswanganyi’s impressive performance last season, with 40 appearances, 10 goals and 12 assists for Bucs, clearly contributed to his recognition as the PSL Players’ Player of the Season.
In his characteristically candid style, Sono stated that while there’s nothing wrong with Maswanganyi being given the No.10, comparing him to past greats is premature and unfair.
He was speaking on the sidelines of a launch event of Lucas Batteries as Jomo Cosmos sponsors.
WHAT DID JOMO SONO SAY ABOUT PATRICK MASWANGANYI
“He can have it [the jersey]; there is no problem,” Sono stated, acknowledging that Maswanganyi is a deserving recipient of the iconic No.10 jersey. However, he went on to express his reservations about the 26-year-old midfielder’s style of play.
Sono recounted an instance where Maswanganyi’s showboating left him unimpressed. “I saw him [dancing on the ball] and going towards his own goal, and I switched to English football,” he said. “He was going this way but Pirates were going that way, I don’t know. I am not saying it’s wrong, but the only time I saw him was when he was doing that.”
Sono, known for his own flair and skill on the ball, emphasised that his showmanship always served a purpose.
“I entertained the crowd, but I wasn’t going that way when Pirates were going in a different direction,” he explained, highlighting the importance of being effective as an offensive player.
The legendary midfielder also drew a stark contrast between himself and Maswanganyi. “Don’t compare him with me because you have compared a lot of them in the past, and they ‘died’,” Sono warned. “They all ‘die’ after you compare them with me, and to be honest, you can’t compare an elephant to an ant. This guy [pointing at himself] was an elephant.”
Sono’s comments reflect the immense legacy associated with the No.10 jersey at the Buccaneers. He reminded everyone of the expectations that come with wearing that number, expectations that he consistently met during his illustrious career.
“Pirates supporters would never leave the stadium even if it’s 89th minutes [and the team is trailing] as long as that No.10 was on the field because he could do anything and at any time,” he recalled.
While acknowledging Maswanganyi’s talent, Sono urged football followers to temper their expectations and avoid premature comparisons. “Don’t compare Maswanganyi with me, he is a good No.10 for Pirates and let him stay as a No “.10 for Pirates. But don’t compare,” he advised.
“The problem with us is we think the jersey No 10 is the one playing.” Clearly, in Sono’s eyes, the No.10 jersey is not just a number; it’s a symbol of excellence and achievement. He went on to reveal that at Cosmos, the jersey has never had an owner because no one deserves it.
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