Patrick Maswanganyi: Orlando Pirates Star Opens Up on Bafana Bafana AFCON Squad’s Omission
- Patrick Maswanganyi has come out to comment on being snubbed by Hugo Broos in the final Bafana Bafana squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco
- The Orlando Pirates attacking midfielder was part of the top players who made the preliminary list but failed to make the final squad for the competition
- The Premier Soccer League star's comment about the snub sparked different opinions from Bafana Bafana fans on social media
Orlando Pirates midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi has broken his silence concerning Hugo Broos' decision to leave him out of his final Bafana Bafana squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Source: Getty Images
The former SuperSport United star was named in the preliminary list, which comprises 54 men. Still, he failed to make the final list, alongside Mamelodi Sundowns attacking midfielder Themba Zwane and Fawaaz Basadien, who left Stellenbosch FC for the Brazilians this summer.
South Africa is placed in Group B alongside seven-time Champions Egypt and two other top sides.
Maswanganyi opens up on Bafana Bafana snub
Maswanganyi admitted that he was not surprised by his exclusion from the AFCON squad, acknowledging that his limited game time at Pirates made it unlikely for him to secure a place in the squad. He explained that he had already anticipated not making the squad because he was barely playing and had only received a few minutes on the field.
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The Orlando Pirates attacking midfielder further noted that previous personal issues had affected both his mindset and his standing in the national team, especially given the high level of competition from other hardworking and in-form players across the country.
The 27-year-old added that he did not dwell on the exclusion, as he had already accepted the likelihood of it happening. Although he had hoped to experience the excitement of AFCON, he recognised that the opportunity had passed and understood that such circumstances could not be forced.
Source: Getty Images
Ultimately, he expressed a strong determination to work harder and remain patient for another chance, focusing first on reclaiming his place at the club level in hopes that improved performance there would strengthen his prospects for a future national team call-up.
Here is what fans are saying about Maswanganyi's comment about being omitted from Bafana Bafana's final squad on social media.
Musiiwa Oscar said:
"Imagine the noise if he were at Sundowns, we would be hearing things like Sundowns is killing the national team, even Broos himself would be complaining."
Morris Mahlangu shared:
"He should focus on pirates, and so far, he might not even be playing for the team next season."
Afikah Msilelwa wrote:
"He never deserves to play for the national he was selected because of favouritism."
Joelphikani Mhlongo commented:
"Very honest and professional, in your last game, the Coach should have subbed you...But I felt they tried to give you as many minutes as they could. But the train had already left the station. Next time, Hosi."
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Mpendulo ProNtuli10 said:
"Tito will come back stronger."
Njabulo implied:
"He deserves the minutes Nemtejela has been wasting, and with him, he already has 4 goals."
Faku TheRealFaku added:
"He is better than Themba Zwane " I so wish Mamelodi Sundowns fans could stop this nonsense of arguing with people on social media."
Mbule shares what Broos told Bafana
Briefly News earlier reported that Sipho Mbule shared what Broos told Bafana Bafana ahead of their friendly game against Zambia.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder was one of the best players in the international friendly match against the 2012 AFCON winners.
Source: Briefly News
