Orlando Pirates Coach Explains Patrick Maswanganyi Substitution in MTN8 Semi-Final
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou addressed the decision to substitute Patrick Maswanganyi during the MTN8 semi-final against Mamelodi Sundowns in Tshwane. Pirates advanced to the final for the fourth consecutive season after winning 4-1 on penalties, with the two-leg tie finishing 2-2 on aggregate.
The first leg in Orlando Stadium ended 1-1, and the second leg at Lucas Moripe Stadium mirrored the scoreline. Maswanganyi, who returned to the starting lineup after sitting out the midweek Betway Premiership fixture against Stellenbosch FC, lasted less than 45 minutes before being replaced by Banele Shandu.
Ouaddou explained that the substitution was tactical. It allowed Kamogelo Sebelebele to move forward as a primary attacking threat and placed Relebohile Mofokeng in the number 10 role. Despite Maswanganyi’s quiet performance, Ouaddou emphasized the player’s importance to the squad.
“Patrick is one of our best players. He is a top player and has been doing well for many years at the club. I believe in him,” Ouaddou said at the post-match press conference. “I have been a professional footballer for 17 years, and I can’t tell you how many times the coach has taken me out. It doesn’t mean I was a bad player. Today was just not his day. He is very important, and it was a tactical choice.”
Pirates will now turn their attention to league matters as they prepare to host Orbit College FC at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday at 19:30. The team will look to maintain momentum and build confidence ahead of their upcoming MTN8 final appearance.
