Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Patrick 'Tito' Maswanganyi has called on South African football supporters to be more patient with young players, warning that harsh criticism can affect their confidence and development.

The 28-year-old, who now plays for Bahraini Premier League side Al Khaldiya, believes that young footballers need encouragement and protection rather than being attacked whenever they make mistakes on the pitch.

Maswanganyi recently moved to Bahrain after leaving Orlando Pirates, explaining during a South African Football Journalists Association (SAFJA) online press conference that one of the reasons behind his decision was the need to find peace away from the criticism he experienced on social media.

The midfielder has now shared his concerns about how supporters in South Africa treat young players, mentioning Kaizer Chiefs youngsters Mfundo Vilakazi and Mduduzi Shabalala as examples.

Tito believes that young players are still learning the game and should be given enough time to develop, even when their performances are not always at the expected level.

He pointed out that some supporters are too quick to turn against young footballers after a mistake, without considering the pressure they are experiencing at an early stage of their careers.

His comments come after Chiefs faced Siwelele FC in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-final at Peter Mokaba Stadium last weekend.

During that match, Shabalala missed a penalty, which reportedly frustrated some supporters who wanted him to be substituted. However, the midfielder later created another penalty opportunity for his team, helping Chiefs get back into the match.

Maswanganyi believes the incident showed why supporters should not give up on players after one disappointing moment.

"My thing is for the fans to take it easy, especially on young players that are coming in," Maswanganyi said.

He also mentioned Vilakazi, explaining that the young Chiefs attacker has sometimes faced negative reactions from supporters despite trying to perform for the team.

The former Pirates midfielder believes that experienced players are generally better equipped to deal with criticism, while younger footballers may struggle when they receive negative comments from supporters.

Maswanganyi further stressed that South African football needs to protect its young talent because these players could become important figures for Bafana Bafana in future international competitions.

He believes that encouraging young footballers will help them gain confidence, improve their performances and develop into players capable of representing the country at major tournaments.

The midfielder also compared the treatment of young players in South Africa with what he has observed outside the country, saying that youngsters in other football environments often receive more encouragement.

For Maswanganyi, the responsibility does not only belong to coaches and senior players. Supporters also have an important role to play in creating an environment where young footballers can make mistakes, learn and improve.

He believes that players such as Vilakazi and Shabalala could become important assets for South African football if they receive the necessary support during their development.

Ultimately, Maswanganyi wants supporters to understand that young players are not finished products. They need patience, guidance and encouragement to reach their potential and possibly help South Africa compete for trophies in the future.

Source: IDiskiTimes