Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Patrick ‘Tito’ Maswanganyi has opened up about showboating, explaining why he no longer regularly showcases his skills since playing outside South Africa.
Showboating has been a hot topic in South African football, with divided opinions over whether players should be encouraged to express themselves through skills and tricks.
While some believe showboating serves little purpose if it does not beat an opponent or create a goalscoring opportunity, others argue that it is part of South African football’s DNA and should be encouraged because of the entertainment it brings to supporters.
Speaking to the South African Football Journalists Association (SAFJA), Maswanganyi revealed that although his coach encourages him to use his skills, he personally does not feel the same urge to showboat since leaving South Africa.
“Yeah, well, my coach wants me to do them [skills],” said Tito.
“But in terms of myself, I don’t feel like doing them because I’m not in South Africa. But being in South Africa, I felt like it’s our culture, you know. I grew up in Tembisa watching games and that’s how they played.
“And also, people who have been watching the old people, they’ve been telling us that those people were playing great football. But when I watch their videos, they were doing showboating, you understand?”
Maswanganyi was a fan favourite during his time at Orlando Pirates, where he became known for his flair, creativity and impressive technical ability.
His comments highlight the cultural significance of showboating in South African football and the different attitudes towards individual expression depending on where players are competing.
Last month, Tito was seen at the Orlando Amstel Arena with his former Pirates teammates during the team’s 1-0 win over Sekhukhune United.
