Orlando Pirates Eager for Maswanganyi’s Return Ahead of Chippa United Clash

Orlando Pirates will be eager to have their influential midfielder, Patrick Maswanganyi, back in action as they take on Chippa United tomorrow evening at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

This comes after the Buccaneers suffered a setback over the weekend with a disappointing 2-0 loss to Marumo Gallants. The defeat exposed some of the team’s weaknesses, particularly in the attacking third, where Maswanganyi’s absence was deeply felt.

The 26-year-old playmaker was unavailable for the Gallants fixture after sustaining an injury in the previous match against Cape Town City at Orlando Stadium. He was stretchered off early in the second half, and while the injury is reportedly not severe, he will undergo a late fitness test to determine his availability for the crucial encounter against Chippa United.

Maswanganyi, nicknamed ‘Tito’ in football circles, has been a key figure for Pirates this season, making 28 appearances across all competitions. His contributions of five goals and three assists underline his importance to the Buccaneers’ attacking setup. Without him, the team struggled to create clear-cut chances against Gallants, raising concerns about their squad depth at a critical stage of the campaign.

With Pirates currently trailing league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by 18 points, securing maximum points against Chippa United is imperative to keep their fading title hopes alive. The Buccaneers will need to capitalize on every opportunity to close the gap and strengthen their league position.

Coach Jose Riveiro will be hoping for Maswanganyi’s swift return, as his creativity and attacking prowess could be the key to reigniting Pirates’ winning form. A positive result against Chippa United is vital to restoring confidence and ensuring the Buccaneers remain competitive as the season progresses.