After one win from their three group games, Bafana Bafana became the first host in the history of the World Cup not to make it past the group stage.
'Nsimbi' believes ditching our own football and trying to emulate the overseas teams is what worked against South Africa.
"We should have opted for simple and important things, like playing our own brand of football. Use our chances. We wanted to change our own style and adopt theirs."
Sangweni, who did not play a single game at the 2010 showpiece, says he will forever cherish the opportunity of being part of the group of players that represented the country.
"I didn't get an opportunity to play. But we can't say that is the reason we lost because the coaches believed in those who played. According to what people are saying and how I believe in myself, yes, I would have contributed something," he laments.
"Yes, it was painful, but you need to accept it as a player and look forward. I told myself it wasn't my time to play in that World Cup. Just to be in the squad meant a lot to me because we have a lot of players here in South Africa. To be part of that team made me happy.
"In all preparations and friendly matches, I was the one who was playing. But come the World Cup tournament I was not given a chance. I'm not complaining though. It's the coaches who make decisions. You can play well but the decisions lie with the coach. But I enjoyed it.
"2010 meant a lot to me. I expected us to do well and reach the final but it didn't happen that way. To tell you the truth, we failed. The competition was out of our league. Things didn't come together. We did everything we were supposed to do. The coaches did everything, but the problem remained with us."
Sangweni says the money he received by being in the squad made a huge difference in his life.
"Yes, it was not what we wanted as players [the amount], but we were satisfied with what we got. I managed to build my father's house."