Patrick Maswanganyi Opens Up After First-Half Substitution Against Sundowns

Orlando Pirates midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi has spoken about his reaction following a first-half substitution during the MTN8 semi-final clash against Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday. The change, which saw Maswanganyi replaced by fullback Bandile Shandu in the 39th minute, surprised many and attracted criticism from fans.

Maswanganyi explained that he had a conversation with head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou about the decision. He stressed that the substitution was tactical and not personal, and that understanding this helped him move past the moment.

“I think it’s the love that I get from my teammates; they make sure that I push. They know that as long as I’m here, I’m going to work hard for them,” Maswanganyi told SuperSport TV. “During the week, the game against Mamelodi Sundowns was difficult, but I got over it because the coach spoke to me. I had to understand that it’s a tactical decision, and we knew it was going to help us during the game.”

Maswanganyi returned to the starting lineup for the Premier Soccer League match against Orbit College, which Pirates won 1-0. He described his mindset going into the game, highlighting the importance of professionalism and setting an example for younger players.

“So tonight (Tuesday) I had to come and play, and I did well. I think I’m very old to get disappointed. You need to man up and show the younger ones that even though the coach makes a decision you think is bad, it’s good for the team, as long as the team is winning and we know what we’re working towards,” he said.

Despite the earlier criticism, Maswanganyi impressed against Orbit College, earning the Man of the Match award. His performance was instrumental in securing Pirates’ second consecutive league win and helped restore confidence after the MTN8 semi-final.

The challenge for Maswanganyi now is to maintain his form and continue to lead by example. With Pirates expected to compete across multiple competitions this season, his experience and resilience will be crucial for guiding younger teammates and contributing to consistent team performances.