Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro comments on infamous 'ant to an elephant' quote from Jomo Sono to Patrick Maswanganyi - 'Tito isn't trying to take anyone's space, you aren't going to be legend if fans don't love you'

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has jumped to Patrick Maswanganyi's defense after initial attacks from the club's legend Jomo Sono.

The former Bafana Bafana attacker stated Tito is more of an ant when compared to an elephant.

In his recent interview on the matter, the Spaniard insists Maswanganyi is in his space, and the best Sono can do is use his status to help the players rather than start unnecessary debates.

“I don’t think that Patrick or anybody else is trying to take someone’s space,” he told the club's media team in the 'Bucs Camp' documentary.

“I think legends are legends for a reason in the club. It’s because the fans love you. Nothing else.

“Even if you provide the best numbers ever in history, but the people don’t love you, you’re not going to be a legend. You’re just going to be a good provider in the club, a good sign, or a good whatever but not a legend," the Spaniard continued.

“The fans will make you a legend, and I don’t think that Tito, or anybody, will take the space of Mr. Jomo Sono in Pirates’ fans' hearts.

“I don’t see a bad intention, just a lack of maybe skills to understand what is your position right now and how much you could contribute to the new talented players to understand the profession better.

“Because at the end of the day, these players are also listening to what these people are saying because it’s the history of the club," Riveiro concluded.

Last season, Maswanganyi scored 10 goals and provided 12 assists in the Pirates matches played across all competitions.

In the ongoing campaign, he has just five goals and four assists for the Soweto giants in all the 30 games he has featured.

Riveiro recently stated he can't stop Tito from his style of play since it brings something extra to the team.

However, the Bafana Bafana international has to be more effective on the pitch, especially in the final third.

The remainder of the season is critical for Maswanganyi at both the club and international level.

He has to play his role to help Pirates deliver in the Premier Soccer league, the Nedbank Cup and Caf Champions League.

The creative attacker is also expected to make Bafana Bafana's squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations to be held in Morocco later in the year.