Former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana captain Itumeleng Khune has issued his assessment on Patrick Maswanganyi being a possible replacement for Themba Zwane following the national team's 2-0 win over Uganda in a 2025 AFCON qualifier.
The convincing victory over the Cranes was achieved thanks to goals from Thapelo Morena and Patrick Maswanganyi, with Hugo Broos' men having already qualified for the continental showpiece a day before, after South Sudan defeated Congo-Brazzaville.
For Maswanganyi, the goal was a first in national team colours and will go a long way in silencing critics over the 26-year-old's credibility in replacing the injured Zwane.
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Speaking on SABC Sport shortly after the match, Khune had plenty of praise for the Orlando Pirates playmaker and believes he stepped up when it mattered.
"They say the time has arrived, step up, and I think 'Tito' has to step up," Khune said.
"Themba Zwane is going to be surely missed, but I think Tito must surely raise his hand and emulate what Themba Zwane has done.
Yes, there can only be one Themba Zwane and there can only be one Tito, but when given the opportunity, deliver, and Tito did exactly that today.
"What I like about Tito is that he read the game. As soon as he played the ball to [Iqraam] Rayners, he made the run and no defender was expecting that to happen.
"But again, let's give him [credit] for his composure and his finish. It's not easy for a goalkeeper to come across from the near post to go close the far post and still be able to go back to his first pole.
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"I think we must give Tito credit for having beaten the defender, the composure inside the box and hitting it across the defender's body," added the Ventersdorp-born man.
The win takes Bafana to the top of Group K ahead of their last qualifier clash against South Sudan at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Tuesday.
Kick-off is at 18:00.