Maswanganyi fit but unavailable for Orlando Pirates’ MTN8 win

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says Patrick Maswanganyi was fit and available for the club’s MTN8 victory over Sekhukhune United, but declined to explain why the midfielder was left out of the squad.

Pirates secured a 1-0 first-leg win at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday, with Deon Hotto scoring the only goal of the match in the first half. The result gave the Buccaneers an advantage ahead of the return fixture next weekend.

Maswanganyi’s omission was notable because the 28-year-old had played in Pirates’ victory over Chippa United in Durban the previous weekend. His absence prompted questions after the match, but Ouaddou was unwilling to provide details about the decision.

“For the other player (Maswanganyi), I cannot say too much about the issue,” the Buccaneers coach told the media after the encounter.

“He is not injured.

“He was available, but I cannot speak about something that I don’t masteries.”

Maswanganyi has made four appearances for Pirates this season and has been linked with a move away from the Soweto club. Ouaddou’s comments confirmed that the midfielder’s omission was not the result of an injury, while leaving the circumstances behind it unclear.

The match against Sekhukhune was decided by Hotto’s first-half strike as Pirates held on for victory in the opening meeting between the teams in the competition. Sekhukhune, managed by Cedric Kaze, must now overturn the deficit in the second leg if they are to progress.

Before that return fixture, however, the two sides will meet again in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday evening. The quick turnaround means Pirates and Sekhukhune will face each other twice within a matter of days, with the MTN8 tie to be concluded next weekend.

Ouaddou’s side will take a narrow lead into the second leg, while the status of Maswanganyi remains uncertain despite the coach confirming that he is not injured.