Abdeslam Ouaddou has fuelled speculation surrounding Patrick Maswanganyi’s future after revealing the midfielder was fit and available for selection against Sekhukhune United, but was omitted for non-tactical reasons that the Orlando Pirates coach refused to discuss.
Maswanganyi was a notable absentee on Saturday afternoon as Pirates secured a 1-0 win over Sekhukhune United in the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
His sudden omission has added fuel to reports linking the star playmaker with a move to Rulani Mokwena’s Pyramids FC. While Deon Hotto’s solitary strike sealed victory for the Sea Robbers, coach Ouaddou confirmed post-match that ‘Tito’ was fully fit but declined to speak on his situation.
Since arriving from SuperSport United in 2023, Maswanganyi has established himself as a fan favourite and a crucial pillar in the Bucs squad.
ORLANDO PIRATES COACH EXPLAINS THE ABSENCE OF PATRICK MASWANGANYI
“For the other player [Patrick Maswanganyi], I can not say too much about the issue,” said Ouaddou. “He’s not injured. He was available, but I just can not speak about something that I don’t masterise in.”
WHY TSHEPANG MOREMI WAS MISSING AGAINST SEKHUKHUNE UNITED
Ouaddou also clarified that Tshepang Moremi was left out as a precaution, with the club opting not to risk the Bafana Bafana international after he picked up a knock in their 3-0 Betway Premiership win over Chippa United last Sunday.
“For Moremi, you know that he got knocked in the last game. So we wanted to protect him, and I hope to have him for the next game. So we wanted to protect him. We knew that it would be a difficult game. The history of games against Sekhukhune have always been difficult,” added Ouaddou.
“But credit has to be given to the players. In the first half we had some difficulties. But I think we managed to exploit their weaknesses. The target was to come away with the result, and I think it’s things that the boys did.”
The two sides won’t have to wait long to reacquaint themselves. They lock horns in a Betway Premiership battle at Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday evening, before returning to the same venue for the MTN8 semi-final second leg—marking their third meeting in just eight days.
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