Ouaddou provides injury update on Maswanganyi

Patrick Maswanganyi in action against Chippa United

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has provided a positive update on Patrick Maswanganyi after the attacker sustained an injury before the FIFA international break.

The talented attacking midfielder suffered an injury in Pirates’ Betway Premiership match against Chippa United at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha over a week ago.

Maswanganyi was on the score sheet alongside Deon Hotto and Tshepang Moremi when the Buccaneers beat Chippa 3-0.

After he was injured in the match against the Chilli Boys, Maswanganyi had to withdraw from the Bafana Bafana squad. He was replaced by his Pirates teammate Sipho Mbule, who has had a great start at the club after signing on a free transfer.

In the new season, the left-footed star has been a key player, having featured in seven matches across all competitions, scoring three goals for Pirates.

OUADDOU REVEALS THAT MASWANGANYI WILL BE READY FOR THE MTN8 FINAL

Abdeslam Ouaddou on the MTN8 second-leg press conference
Abdeslam Ouaddou at Orlando Pirates. Picture courtesy of Zamani Makautsi/Zakes Photography

With the Sea Robbers preparing for the MTN8 final against Stellenbosch FC this coming weekend, Ouaddou has revealed that Maswanganyi will be ready for the match. The Tembisa-born attacker was part of the Pirates squad in training on Tuesday morning at the Rand Stadium in Johannesburg during the club’s media open day.

“Yes [Patrick is ready for the final], if you see him on the pitch, it means that the medical department gave him the green light to be there,” Ouaddou said.

“I’m happy that he’s coming back. It seems like the injury is not so serious. Whenever my players are injured, I’m very sad. So I’m happy that he’s with us.”

Meanwhile, Pirates also had Thabiso Sesane and Makhehlene Makhaula training with the team, as they’re making their return to match fitness.

The two players are yet to feature for the Soweto giants in the new season after picking up injuries in the second round of the previous season.

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