Orlando Pirates boss Abdeslam Ouaddou gives limited explanation for Patrick Maswanganyi omission

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says he is unable to disclose much about Patrick Maswanganyi’s situation after the forward was left out of the squad for Saturday’s MTN8 semi-final first leg against Sekhukhune United.

Maswanganyi was not included in the match-day squad as Pirates won 1-0 at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, with his absence coming amid growing speculation about his future and reports of interest from Egyptian Premier League club Pyramids.

The attacker’s omission has also followed suggestions of a deterioration in his relationship with Ouaddou. Maswanganyi appeared unhappy when he was substituted during Pirates’ 3-0 league victory over Chippa United in their previous match.

However, Ouaddou indicated after the win over Sekhukhune that Maswanganyi’s situation was not related to an injury. The coach said the player had been available for selection but declined to provide further details.

“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.”

Maswanganyi’s omission was particularly notable because Pirates used a much-changed side for the first meeting with Sekhukhune. Deon Hotto scored the only goal and was named Player of the Match, while Simphiwe Masilela, Thapelo Mokobodi and Mthetheleli Mthiyane were handed rare starts.

The changes meant that neither Maswanganyi nor Tshepang Moremi featured in the starting XI or among the substitutes. Ouaddou explained that Moremi had been left out as a precaution after picking up a knock in the previous game.

“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.”

The coach’s comments about Maswanganyi come as uncertainty continues to surround the player. Social media reports have linked the forward with a move to Pyramids, where Rulani Mokwena is the new coach.

Mokwena is reported to want Maswanganyi, who has become known by the nickname “Tito”, although there has been no confirmation of a transfer. The speculation has added to the attention around the player following the recent signs of tension after his substitution against Chippa United.

Pirates take a 1-0 advantage into the MTN8 semi-final tie after Hotto’s decisive goal at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. Their squad selection for the match, and Ouaddou’s limited comments afterwards, have left Maswanganyi’s immediate position at the club unclear.