Jomo Sono will be looking to get the better with his team against TS Galaxy. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix Jomo Sono will be looking to get the better with his team against TS Galaxy. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Image: Backpagepix
Jomo Sono is one of Orlando Pirates’ greatest legends, a man whose name is synonymous with brilliance and success. His contributions to the club were so profound that his No 10 jersey was retired in his honour.
Yet, in 2024, a comment from the Black Prince regarding the current ‘No 10’, Patrick ‘Tito’ Maswanganyi, sparked anger and disappointment among many of The Ghost.
The controversy began when Maswanganyi was handed the coveted No 10 jersey for Pirates’ CAF Champions League campaign. When asked about the new number 10, Sono responded with a blunt remark: “You can’t compare an ant to an elephant.”
These comments suggested that Maswanganyi, despite wearing the same number in CAF competitions, could never compare to Sono’s legendary stature at the club. This comparison did not sit well with many, particularly fans who had already embraced Maswanganyi as one of the club’s standout players.
Since joining Pirates from SuperSport United in 2023, the 26-year-old Maswanganyi has become an essential part of coach José Riveiro’s plans, quickly establishing himself as a key player in the midfield. During an episode of BucsCamp, Maswanganyi opened up about how Sono’s words had affected him.
“It didn’t sit well with me,” he said. “Whatever he (Sono) said … maybe he hasn’t seen the type of person I am.”
The Tembisa-born midfielder explained that his love for the game is not about trying to prove anything to critics or comparing himself to past players.
“I don’t play football to prove anything or to show people what I’m capable of. Every time I get on the field, it’s because I want to enjoy football, and I want to win.”
Maswanganyi has emphasised the belief that football should be about enjoying the game and achieving success, not about measuring oneself against the ghosts of past greats.
Since arriving at Pirates, he has taken on responsibility and led by example, becoming one of the team's pillars under Riveiro’s guidance. Maswanganyi feels legends like Sono should be uplifting the next generation of players, not casting shadows over them.
“As a person, you shouldn’t look down on anyone. The fact that I play for the team you played for and excelled in should be enough reason for someone like him to be supportive instead,” he said.
“We’re here to try to outdo those who were here before us. Many will still come to the club and surpass you.”
Coach Riveiro also weighed in, suggesting that Sono’s comment might not have been made with bad intentions. Rather, Riveiro believes that Sono may not fully understand his position as a club legend in this era.
“I don’t see a bad intention, just a lack of maybe the skills to understand what your position is right now,” Riveiro said. “These players are also listening to what these people are saying because it’s the history of the club.”