Tito Maswanganyi Speaks Out About Showboating
South Africa is known for its flair and showboating in football, but most modern coaches discourage players from expressing themselves on the field. One player who often faces criticism for this is Orlando Pirates winger Patrick Maswanganyi, also known as Tito.
He recently made headlines when Pirates gave him a number 10 jersey during their latest CAF Champions League games, prompting the legendary Dr. Jomo Sono to weigh in on whether Tito merits wearing the number 10 jersey. “Who? Maswanganyi? I don’t know. I saw him doing this going to his goal posts (demonstrating that he was dribbling facing his own posts). He was doing like this on the ball going this direction and then I switched to English Football.” Dr. Sono responded.
In the latest Bucs Camp Show, Maswanganyi explained his preference for dribbling whenever the opportunity arises. “I have various playing styles; I can perform without ‘showboating’.” “I believe that when I ‘showboat’, it gets me engaged in the game,” said Tito. “At times, it also assists my teammates in engaging with the game, as frequently when I take action, my team begins to establish its rhythm and gain momentum.”
Often, fans would express their frustration about why he prefers to dribble and hold onto the ball rather than passing promptly, but he feels that he is misinterpreted. “If the coach doesn’t see me dribbling, he thinks I don’t want to play,” Tito explained. “When I hear fans outside say, ‘Tito doesn’t deliver on time.’ What is he doing’?, I don’t worry as I know what I am doing because even the coach understands and he knows what am trying to achieve. Even my teammates also understand and also comprehend.”
Pirates Coach Jose Riveiro is among those who support him, ensuring that Tito gets to play whenever he is able. When questioned about Maswanganyi’s penalty versus Kaizer Chiefs in his debut Betway Premiership Soweto Derby, he shared his thoughts on Tito. “ (On) A special day, special things can happen.” Jose said
Tito is one of the standout players in the Bucs Team who is a fan favorite. Whenever he is on the field, sitting on the bench, or in the stands, the fans constantly chant his name (We Tito!). When questioned about his feelings regarding that chanting, his expression lit up. “I believe I first heard the chant ‘We Tito’ in Durban last year. When they begin chanting it, I believe that most of the time they expect me to start playing and they want to see the real Tito,” said the happy Tito.
There are times when he feels disappointed in himself, such as when he missed a penalty in Cape Town while playing against Cape Town City FC in the Betway Premiership. “When we faced City, we were awarded a penalty that I missed, and I felt guilty, particularly for my teammate and the effort they put in.” said Tito. “I recall weeping on my way to the changeroom because I realized I had shattered my teammates’ spirits,” stated Tito.
The pain from missing that penalty was brief as he made up for it in the following game when Pirates faced Chiefs in the Soweto Derby. “A couple of days after missing that penalty (against City), my coach approached me and said, ‘Next time we get a penalty, you should chip it.’ I responded, ‘Sure, I will do that,’” Tito stated. Pirates gained a penalty in the final minute through Relebohile Mofokeng, and Tito ‘chipped’ it. The Bhakaniyas triumphed in that game with a score of 1-0.