Broos rates Maswanganyi's Bafana performance & Themba Zwane comparisons - 'It is not really what we want, Tito has to improve'

Orlando Pirates midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi is seemingly getting it right with Bafana Bafana.

He was on target on Friday as South Africa beat Uganda Cranes in Group K's 2025 Africa Cup of the Nation qualifier's top-of-the-table clash, before again scoring at home on Tuesday versus South Sudan in a 3-0 victory.

The talented Maswanganyi has been tipped to fill the void left by aging Mamelodi Sundowns captain Themba Zwane who is set to return to action next year after sustaining an Achilles injury in October.

The Buccaneer has been consistent for the Soweto Giants and the majority of South Africans believe he can be the heir to Mshishi's throne who is 37 years old.

Hugo Broos was asked about Tito's performance in the last two international matches, and despite conceding he did well, the Belgian insists the midfielder has a long way to go.

"I’m very happy with the performance of Patrick. You know why, I said it already before, we need to look for someone who can replace Themba," he told the media.

"Unfortunately, we had to do it earlier. I wanted [thought] Themba should still be with us now because I know how important he is for the team, but what Patrick showed makes me happy.

"It’s not really what we want but I asked him to play differently than at Pirates. So, it’s a little bit for him to adapt to the way we play but he has the potential, otherwise, I shouldn’t select him," Broos added.

"So, with this game [against South Sudan], and also on Friday he scored and today he scored, that will give him certainly a boost in confidence and I’m happy with his performance. But he still has to improve. He still has to be more of the player who gives passes and who is very important to us, and he can. I’m sure he can do that, but it needs a little bit of time. But again, today he did what I asked and I’m happy with his performance."

Maswanganyi is one of the most talented players in the Premier Soccer League and his future is bright.

However, to stand a chance of being a regular at Bafana, the 26-year-old has to adapt to instructions given by the technical team led by Broos.