Abdeslam Ouaddou tight-lipped over Patrick Maswanganyi’s situation at Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has admitted there is an issue surrounding Patrick Maswanganyi but insists he cannot disclose further details about the attacker’s situation at the club.

Maswanganyi was a notable absentee as Pirates secured a 1–0 victory over Sekhukhune United in the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.

The 27-year-old was not included in the match-day squad despite being available for selection, raising fresh questions about his current standing under Ouaddou.

The Pirates coach was asked about the absence of several familiar players after opting for a largely changed line-up against Sekhukhune.

Deon Hotto emerged as the match-winner and Player of the Match, while Simphiwe Masilela, Thapelo Mokobodi and Mthetheleli Mthiyane were handed rare starts.

Tshepang Moremi was also omitted from the squad, although Ouaddou provided a clear explanation for his absence.

Moremi absence explained

“Regarding Moremi, you know that he got a knock in the last game, we wanted to protect him,” Ouaddou said. “I hope to have him in the next game, so we wanted to protect him.”

However, the coach’s response regarding Maswanganyi was considerably less forthcoming.

“Regarding the other player, I can’t say too much about the issue,” Ouaddou revealed. “He’s not injured. He was available. I can’t speak about something I don’t authorise in.”

The comments have intensified speculation over Maswanganyi’s position at Pirates, particularly after he appeared visibly frustrated when substituted during the club’s 3–0 league victory over Chippa United in their previous outing.

Transfer speculation grows

Maswanganyi’s absence has also coincided with reports linking him with a possible move away from the Soweto giants.

Social media reports have claimed that Egyptian club Pyramids, now coached by former Mamelodi Sundowns boss Rulani Mokwena, have an interest in the attacker.

There is, however, no confirmation from Pirates or Maswanganyi that a transfer is being negotiated.

For now, Ouaddou’s comments have only added to the uncertainty surrounding the player, with the Pirates coach making it clear that he is unwilling to discuss the matter publicly.

Pirates will take their 1–0 advantage into the second leg, where the availability and involvement of Maswanganyi could become another major talking point if questions over his future remain unresolved.