Abdeslam Ouaddou ‘can’t say too much' about Patrick Maswanganyi's situation at Orlando Pirates
Abdeslam Ouaddou has clarified the absence of Tshepang Moremi and Patrick Maswanganyi following Pirates' 1–0 MTN8 win over Sekhukhune United in Polokwane.
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has informed the media that there is a matter concerning Patrick Maswanganyi at the club, which is why the player was not selected for the MTN8 semi-final first-leg match against Sekhukhune United on Saturday. Ouaddou fielded a relatively unconventional team for the match, defeating Sekhukhune 1-0 at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Players such as Deon Hotto, Simphiwe Masilela, Thapelo Mokobodi, and Mthetheleli Mthiyane made rare starts, pushing familiar faces like Tshepang Moremi and Maswanganyi out of the starting lineup and the match-day squad.
Ouaddou provided further explanation during his post-match press conference. He stated that Moremi's absence was due to an injury he sustained in the previous game, and the team aimed to protect him. However, when discussing Maswanganyi's situation, Ouaddou revealed that he could not disclose further details, emphasizing, "I can’t say too much about the issue.
He’s not injured. He was available. I can’t speak about something I don’t authorize in." The comments come amid increasing speculation about Maswanganyi's situation, with some sources suggesting he has fallen out of favor with the coach after appearing unhappy following his substitution during the 3-0 win over Chippa United in the last league game.
Additionally, there have been widespread social media reports speculating that Maswanganyi is being sought after by new Pyramids coach Rulani Mokwena for the Egyptian Premier League.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
