Ouaddou backs Radiopane to fill Maswanganyi void at Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou believes Boitumelo Radiopane can make the most of Patrick Maswanganyi’s departure after the striker scored on his first start of the season against Sekhukhune United.

Pirates will host Sekhukhune at Orlando Stadium on Saturday at 15:00, with a place in the MTN8 final at stake. Ouaddou says his side must improve quickly after being left dissatisfied by aspects of their recent performance.

Pirates defeated Sekhukhune 2-0 in the Betway Premiership, taking their league tally to 10 points from a possible 12 and making a strong start to their title defence.

Despite the result, Ouaddou felt his team did not play with enough fluency. He was particularly concerned by a lack of cohesion in midfield, where he expected Pirates to function more effectively.

The result continued Pirates’ unbeaten start in the league and their progress in the MTN8, although that run has come during a difficult period for the club. They have had to manage a lengthy injury list, with Thalente Mbatha, Evidence Makgopa, Sihle Nduli and assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi among those affected.

Pirates have also adjusted to the departures of several important players, including Relebohile Mofokeng, Sipho Mbule and Maswanganyi.

Maswanganyi has since joined Bahrain Premier League club Al-Khaldiya SC. Ouaddou acknowledged there had been tension between the pair previously, explaining that it began with differences over the midfielder’s approach to training and the demands placed on him.

“I think he’s a talented player that every coach would like to have in his team,” Ouaddou said. “It took time for him to understand what I expected of him last season regarding his involvement in games and training.

“Matches do not start on matchday; they start at the beginning of the week. Training is crucial, and I wasn’t satisfied with his application last season.”

The coach said Maswanganyi returned for pre-season in Marbella with a changed attitude, which helped improve their relationship and contributed to better performances.

“He returned on June 24 with a fantastic attitude,” Ouaddou said. “He was fresh, and everyone saw his potential at the start of the season. If he had adopted that mindset earlier, I believe he could have made the World Cup squad. I wish him the best in his new project.”

Ouaddou admitted that losing Maswanganyi was disappointing but pointed to Radiopane’s display as a major positive from the victory over Sekhukhune. The striker’s goal on his first start of the campaign has strengthened the coach’s belief that he can provide the qualities required in attack.

“The main positive is taking the three points and seeing Radiopane score,” Ouaddou said. “I am very happy for him. That goal will give him confidence, and he offers the exact qualities we need from a striker.”

The second leg will be the latest meeting between the two sides, who also faced each other in the 2026 MTN8 semi-final first leg at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday. Ellis Rammala of Sekhukhune United FC and Lebone Seema of Orlando Pirates were pictured challenging for the ball in that match.

With no room for excuses, Ouaddou has told Pirates they must find answers within days if they are to reach the final.

“I know that it won’t be easy to qualify for the final,” Ouaddou said. “If we don’t find solutions in three days, it can be very difficult. We need to rest, work with the players to identify where we could have done better, and come back stronger.”