When Hugo Broos announced South Africa’s final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, one decision immediately divided local football fans. Orlando Pirates star Patrick “Tito” Maswanganyi was left out of the squad despite enjoying one of the best seasons of his career, while veteran midfielder Themba “Mshishi” Zwane was included. For many supporters, the decision felt less about current performance and more about loyalty to experience.
The debate becomes even louder when looking at the numbers from the 2025/2026 Betway Premiership season. Tito played 25 matches, scored 8 goals, and remained one of Orlando Pirates’ most dangerous attacking players throughout the campaign. He constantly carried creative responsibility, drove the team forward in difficult moments, and proved he could influence games both physically and technically.
Zwane’s season looked completely different. The Mamelodi Sundowns legend only managed 532 league minutes all season and was mostly used from the bench. He did not score a single league goal and registered only one assist. Sundowns clearly managed his game time carefully, understanding that at 36 years old, he can no longer operate with the same intensity he once did during his peak years.
This is why many fans feel Broos made a decision based on reputation rather than merit. Nobody is questioning Zwane’s legacy in South African football. He remains one of the greatest midfielders the country has produced in the PSL era. His football intelligence, composure, and leadership are respected across the continent. But football at World Cup level is ruthless and emotional loyalty rarely wins matches.
Modern international football demands energy, pressing, speed in transition, and physical endurance. South Africa’s group stage opponents will not give players time on the ball or allow matches to slow down. Tito’s profile suits this kind of football far more naturally. He is aggressive in possession, confident under pressure, and capable of producing moments of unpredictability that can change games instantly.
Broos appears to value experience and control more than explosiveness. That approach helped stabilise Bafana Bafana over the past few years, but tournaments are often decided by players capable of creating chaos in tight moments. Tito offered that unpredictability. He carried direct attacking threat and looked fearless throughout the domestic season.
There is also a bigger concern behind this decision. South African football constantly speaks about rebuilding and preparing the next generation, yet when major tournaments arrive, coaches still return to familiar names. Leaving out one of the most in form attacking midfielders in the country sends a worrying message to players performing consistently in the league. It suggests that reputation can still outweigh current form.
If Bafana Bafana struggle creatively during the World Cup, this decision will come under even heavier criticism. Fans will inevitably question why a player with 8 league goals and strong physical form was left at home while a veteran with limited minutes was trusted instead.
Hugo Broos has made a massive gamble. He believes experience and leadership will be more valuable than energy and current form. But if South Africa fail to create chances when it matters most, many supporters will remember the name Patrick “Tito” Maswanganyi long before they remember the coach’s explanations.
