Patrick Maswanganyi hits back at Orlando Pirates legend Jomo Sono's 'elephant-ant' remarks - 'You shouldn’t look down on anyone regardless of who you are... a person like him should instead be supportive'

Orlando Pirates great Jomo Sono sparked debate when he said he cannot be compared to Patrick Maswanganyi.

The former Bafana Bafana coach likened himself to an elephant while labelling Maswanganyi an ant.

The Pirates midfielder has now responded to Sono's remarks.

“As a person you shouldn’t look down on anyone regardless of who you are and what you do,” Maswanganyi said as per iDiksi Times.

“I think for the fact that I play for the same team you played for and did well in, I think a person like him should instead be supportive so that we can also believe we can reach his heights.

“Because we’re here to try to outdo those before us and many will still come to surpass us," added the former SuperSport United star.

"So, if he can’t teach us to treat the next Orlando Pirates players right, we won’t want to either, we’ll feel like we’re just returning the favour for how we were treated.”

After starting the season on a high, Maswanganyi's form has dropped in recent games and that has been made worse by an injury he is currently nursing.

After dipping in form, that might give ammunition to those who felt he would never get close to the level reached by Sono.

But with Pirates having a lot to play for this season in the Premier Soccer League, Nedbank Cup and Caf Champions League, that presents an opportunity for Maswanganyi to come through for the Buccaneers when it matters the most.

Maswanganyi's injury saw him missing the current Bafana camp and that angered Hugo Broos who had included him in his final squad but felt Pirates did not communicate well with him.

The 26-year-old could be back when the Buccaneers resume competitive football with a Caf Champions League visit to MC Alger for an April 1 date.