Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro defends Patrick Maswanganyi after struggling to step into Themba Zwane's shoes - 'I don’t think it was Tito's problem that Bafana Bafana didn’t get the result'

Patrick Maswanganyi came on as a substitute to replace an injured Themba Zwane when Bafana Bafana drew 1-1 with Congo-Brazzaville in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Tuesday.

The Orlando Pirates star, however, struggled to make an impact on the game.

That triggered social media criticism that Maswanganyi is not capable of matching Zwane's level of performance and Bafana coach Hugo Broos even admitted the Sundowns captain is difficult to replace and his injury impacted on the result.

Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has now leapt to the defence of Maswanganyi.

“I think every time our players are going to the national team, they are giving their all – in good games or in bad game, like the last one," Riveiro said as per iDiski Times.

"I don’t think it was a problem of Tito that Bafana didn’t get the result. As usual, we are really proud of them when they go, we are really proud of them when they are back and it’s going to continue of being the same, not only with Patrick but with everybody else. 

“But take for granted that somebody is affected because someone is posting whatever – because I’m not there, for the same reason," added the Spaniard.

"I don’t want to get affected by it and I’m not 100% that I would be ready or willing to deal with those comments.  

“My intention was not to be rude about that but that’s my point – when the criticism comes from where exactly?”

In Bafana colours, Maswanganyi was far from the menacing player who is held in such high regard by Pirates fans.

He was anonymous during the 50 minutes he was on the pitch.

His performance could restart the debate about him being able to eclipse Jomo Sono as a legend in South African football.

Now back for club duty, Maswanganyi will be out to help Pirates reach the quarter-finals of the Carling Knockout when they meet Magesi this weekend.

Maintaining top form will help him stay in the Bafana set-up ahead of November's Afcon qualifiers against Uganda and South Sudan, where Zwane's injury will see him sit out and present an opportunity for the Pirates star, or another player, to be South Africa's hero and guarantee Afcon qualification.