Maswanganyi could have made World Cup squad, says Ouaddou

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou believes departing midfielder Patrick “Tito” Maswanganyi would have represented Bafana Bafana at the recent World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada if he had followed the manager’s instructions last season.

Pirates have agreed a transfer deal with Bahraini Premier League club Al-Khaldiya SC for Maswanganyi, bringing an end to the 28-year-old fan favourite’s time with the Soweto club.

Ouaddou acknowledged that he and Maswanganyi experienced a difficult working relationship during the previous campaign, but said the midfielder’s ability was never in doubt.

“I have huge respect for this player [Maswanganyi], the titles he won. He’s a fantastic player, a gifted player. Every coach would want to have him on their team,” Ouaddou said after Pirates defeated Sekhukhune United 2-0 in the league at Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday.

The coach said Maswanganyi initially took time to adapt to his demands, particularly regarding the importance of work away from match days.

“We had difficult moments last season. It took a bit of time for him to understand what I expected of him. In training I always said the job doesn’t start in the game; it starts in training at the start of the week.”

Maswanganyi made a strong impression at the beginning of the current season before his move was agreed, and Ouaddou suggested that a more receptive approach last term could have earned him international recognition.

“You all saw his potential at the start of the season, it was very important, he was very important,” the Bucs mentor said. “I think if he listened to me last season, he would have been at the World Cup, definitely.”

Maswanganyi joined Pirates from the now-defunct SuperSport United in July 2023. The Thembisa-born midfielder made 120 appearances for the Soweto giants across three seasons, scoring 28 goals and providing 21 assists.

During his time at Pirates, he helped the club win several titles, including the league championship last season. His departure has now been agreed with Al-Khaldiya SC, although the financial details of the transfer were not provided.

Pirates’ victory over Sekhukhune was secured by goals from Boitumelo Radiopane and Oswin Appollis.

The two teams will meet again at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday in the second leg of the MTN8 semi-final. Pirates hold the advantage after winning the first leg 1-0 in Polokwane last Saturday and are in a favourable position to reach the final.

The result over Sekhukhune was therefore important both in the league and ahead of the return fixture, as Pirates seek to complete the job in the MTN8 while preparing for life without Maswanganyi.