Pirates face Sekhukhune without Maswanganyi after Bahrain move

Orlando Pirates will face Sekhukhune United in the Betway Premiership at the Orlando Amstel Arena tonight without Patrick “Tito” Maswanganyi, after the club confirmed the attacking midfielder’s transfer to Bahrain.

Maswanganyi was already absent for Pirates’ MTN8 semi-final first-leg meeting with Sekhukhune United at the weekend, but the reason for his omission became clear on Monday night when the Buccaneers announced an agreement with Bahrain Premier League club Alkhaldiya Sports Club for the transfer of the 28-year-old.

The move ends Maswanganyi’s spell with Orlando Pirates and leaves head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou with another attacking decision to make during what is expected to be a demanding season.

Ouaddou had recently suggested Maswanganyi could assume greater responsibility following Relebohile Mofokeng’s move to Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. The coach had highlighted Maswanganyi’s qualities, work rate and ability to connect midfield and attack as reasons why he could help fill the creative gap left by Mofokeng.

However, Maswanganyi’s departure means Pirates must now find a different way to replace the creativity lost from their squad. The immediate challenge comes against Sekhukhune, before the club turns its attention back to the second leg of the MTN8 tie at the weekend.

How Pirates could line up

The absence of Maswanganyi could give several of Pirates’ other attacking players the chance to take on greater responsibility.

Sipho Chaine is expected to start in goal, with Kamogelo Sebelebele, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Lebone Seema and Nkosikhona Ndaba likely to make up the defence.

Ouaddou and his technical staff must also manage their squad with the MTN8 second leg in mind. That could lead to some important players being rested for the league fixture against Sekhukhune United.

Thapelo Mokobodi and Cemran Dansin are expected to operate in midfield, while Masindi Nemtajela could be used in a more advanced role.

Gamphani Lungu and Kabelo Kgositsile are likely to provide the attacking threat from wider or advanced positions, with Yanela Mbuthuma expected to lead the line.

Pirates’ expected XI is: Sipho Chaine; Kamogelo Sebelebele, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Lebone Seema, Nkosikhona Ndaba; Thapelo Mokobodi, Cemran Dansin; Masindi Nemtajela, Gamphani Lungu, Kabelo Kgositsile; Yanela Mbuthuma.

Maswanganyi’s exit comes shortly after Pirates lost Mofokeng to Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, increasing the pressure on the club’s remaining attacking options. The match against Sekhukhune will therefore provide an early test of how Ouaddou’s side intends to respond to those changes.

Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix