‘south africa is too harsh on young players’: tito maswanganyi sends warning to fans over vilakazi and shabalala

the al khaldiya midfielder believes excessive criticism could damage the confidence of promising youngsters who could become the future of bafana bafana.

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA — 10 NOVEMBER 2026

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Patrick ‘Tito’ Maswanganyi has delivered a strong message to South African football supporters, urging them to show more patience and appreciation towards young players who are still developing their careers.

The 28-year-old, who currently plays for Bahrain-based Al Khaldiya, believes South African football has a problem when it comes to supporting emerging talents, particularly when they make mistakes during important matches.

Maswanganyi specifically mentioned Kaizer Chiefs youngsters Mfundo Vilakazi and Mduduzi Shabalala, explaining that supporters should understand that young footballers need time to improve rather than face harsh criticism whenever they fail to deliver.

Speaking during a South African Football Journalists Association online press conference, the midfielder expressed concern about the treatment of youngsters compared to what he has observed outside the country.

"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," Maswanganyi said.

He pointed to Shabalala's experience during Chiefs' recent Carling Knockout quarter-final encounter against Siwelele FC at Peter Mokaba Stadium.

The attacking midfielder missed a penalty during the match, and Maswanganyi noticed how some supporters wanted him substituted immediately.

However, Shabalala remained on the pitch and subsequently created another goal-scoring opportunity that resulted in a second penalty for Chiefs.

Maswanganyi believes this demonstrated why young players should not be judged too quickly.

He argued that removing Shabalala immediately after his missed penalty could have prevented Chiefs from getting another opportunity to score.

The former Pirates star also mentioned Vilakazi, saying supporters should recognise the youngster's efforts even when his performances do not meet expectations.

A MESSAGE ABOUT THE FUTURE OF BAFANA BAFANA

Maswanganyi believes South Africa must protect its emerging football talents because they could become important players for the national team in future international competitions.

He warned that constant negativity can affect young players' confidence and development, particularly when criticism extends beyond football and reaches their personal lives.

His concerns are also informed by personal experience. He recently explained that criticism on social media affected his family and contributed to his decision to seek a fresh start in Bahrain.

Ultimately, Maswanganyi wants supporters to understand that mistakes are part of football.

His message is clear: if South Africa wants to produce players capable of competing at the highest international level, young talents such as Vilakazi and Shabalala must receive encouragement, patience and genuine support.

Source https://x.com/iDiskiTimes/status/2120132660634828818