Patrick ‘Tito’ Maswanganyi is urging South African football fans to give young players more patience and support, warning that harsh criticism can hurt their confidence and growth.

Speaking at an online South African Football Journalists Association press conference, the Al-Khaldiya midfielder pointed to Kaizer Chiefs youngsters Mfundo Vilakazi and Mduduzi Shabalala as players who need encouragement while they develop.

Maswanganyi recalled Shabalala missing a penalty in Chiefs’ Carling Knockout quarter-final against Siwelele FC at Peter Mokaba Stadium. He said some supporters appeared to want the midfielder taken off after the miss.

But Shabalala stayed on and later helped create another chance for Chiefs. Maswanganyi suggested that removing a young player immediately after a mistake could cost the team and undermine the player’s confidence.

He also raised concern about the negative reactions Vilakazi receives when he does not meet expectations. Young footballers, he said, need time and support as they adjust to senior-level demands.

“Somewhere outside the country, they show lots of love for young players, but in South Africa, it's very difficult to show love to those players,” he explained.

Maswanganyi believes emerging players could one day become key figures for Bafana Bafana, but says they need room to learn before being expected to deliver consistently. Fans may want strong performances, yet he argues that criticism should not become so severe that it discourages young talent.

Can South African supporters demand results while still giving young players the patience they need to grow?

Source

https://x.com/iDiskiTimes/status/2120132660634828818?a=qqJ90BW67bBbwVN_eQM&s=20