Pirates have not given up on signing long-time target Hlatshwayo, who has in the past admitted an affinity for the Soweto giants but penned a new three-year contract with Wits in March.
The experienced 28-year-old Bafana Bafana skipper was in Pirates' sights as far back as 2014 prior to his move to the Students from Ajax Cape Town.
"For me Hlatshwayo can fit in very well at Pirates because he's a no-nonsense defender and we need someone who's got that roughness in his game at Pirates," said Sangweni, who helped Bucs complete the 'Double Treble' in 2012.
"Pirates don't need someone who is soft, not always getting involved in what other people say, but to do what he is here for. We need a player that when he's involved in tackles he ensures that only one passes you; if it is the ball, the man should not pass you, just like that.
"Don't say, 'Eish let me loosen up a bit to avoid getting sent off and missing the next game'. We need someone who is here to die for the club and for the jersey as well."
Sangweni impressed at the back in a five-year spell with the Sea Robbers before a knee injury forced him to retire in April 2016.