Former Orlando Pirates winger Patrick Maswanganyi has opened up about the controversy surrounding Jomo Sono's widely discussed “don’t compare an ant with elephant” remarks, revealing that although the comments did not personally affect him, the reaction on social media became difficult when his family members were targeted.

Maswanganyi explained that he was able to handle the criticism directed at him because of his football career and public profile. However, the situation became more uncomfortable when the discussion extended beyond football and began affecting people close to him.

“I would say when my family got involved, it was something whereby I couldn’t feel ok also. But if it was only about me, I was still at Pirates – even today, playing and working."

The former Buccaneers winger suggested that he could have continued with his professional responsibilities at Orlando Pirates if the controversy had remained focused on him. However, seeing his family dragged into the public debate made the situation more difficult to deal with.

Sono's comparison attracted considerable attention among football supporters, particularly because of the discussions surrounding Maswanganyi and his standing in South African football.

The remarks also generated reactions across social media, where supporters expressed different opinions about the comparison and its implications for the player's reputation.

Maswanganyi's latest comments have now provided further insight into how the controversy affected him beyond the football environment. While he maintained that personal criticism was something he could handle, he made it clear that involving his family crossed a line.

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