Patrick Maswanganyi says missing 2026 FIFA World Cup with Bafana Bafana ‘hurt’

Patrick Maswanganyi says being left out of Bafana Bafana’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was painful, despite believing he had done everything possible when given opportunities by coach Hugo Broos.

The 28-year-old Al Khaldiyah attacker was included in Broos’ preliminary squad for the tournament in the USA, Mexico and Canada, but did not make the final selection.

Bafana Bafana went on to make history by reaching the second round of the FIFA World Cup, but Maswanganyi watched the team’s progress from outside the travelling party.

The former Orlando Pirates player’s omission came after he had worked under Abdeslam Ouaddou, who suggested that Maswanganyi might have been selected had he followed the coach’s advice.

Maswanganyi said he did not understand Ouaddou’s comments, insisting he had always given his full effort whenever he represented the national team.

Speaking at an online press conference hosted by the South African Football Journalists Association (SAFJA) on Monday, Maswanganyi acknowledged that he had wanted to go to America for the tournament.

“You know, it happened and I had done everything I could with the opportunities I got from the coach,” said Maswanganyi.

“And I wouldn’t know what he [Ouaddou] ‘s talking about because if you have watched any opportunity, I got at that time, I always made sure I do something.”

The attacker said his priority had been to contribute to the team whenever he was selected.

“You know I help the team and I play my heart out. So, for me, I had done everything I could.”

Maswanganyi admitted that missing out on the tournament remained difficult, but said football sometimes brings setbacks that players have to accept.

“Missing out on the World Cup is something that hurt me, but you know, sometimes you need to live for those kinds of things that they happen in football.”