Riveiro breaks silence on Jomo’s Maswanganyi criticism

Orlando Pirates head coach, Jose Riveiro, has spoken out about Jomo Sono’s recent comments on Patrick Maswanganyi, following the club legend’s claim that fans or neutrals shouldn’t compare Maswanganyi to the great Tito.

Maswanganyi has impressed Orlando Pirates fans with his skills and creativity, even copying some of Sono’s famous tricks, like standing on the ball.

This has led to comparisons between the young player and the former number 10. However, Sono was clear in his opinion, stating that Maswanganyi was in a different league compared to Tito.

Riveiro has now responded to these comments, saying that Maswanganyi wasn’t bothered by Sono’s words and always strives to give his best on the pitch.

“Tito loves to play football,” Riveiro said in an interview with Robert Marawa when asked about Sono’s criticism.

“Tito is a different animal when he’s on the field. It’s where he can express himself and show the best of himself.”

Riveiro added, “When you have players like him, who always want to be on the ball, which for me is something to highlight, because it doesn’t matter what happens on the field – if we need a goal, if we need two, we are losing a final, he’s one of the players who always wants the ball.”

He continued, “That’s why sometimes it’s also in the tough side of the game, when we think about he’s losing the ball or he’s not losing the ball, they are kicking him or not, he’s diving or not diving, it’s that kind of stuff, it’s because he always wants that responsibility.”

Riveiro explained that even during the time when Sono made his comments, Maswanganyi remained focused and showed the same commitment on the field.

“That makes me feel that he feels the support already without even talking about it,” Riveiro said.

“But he’s a boy who just wants to be on the field and play football,” he concluded.

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