Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou confirmed Patrick Maswanganyi’s absence from the MTN8 semi-final first leg against Sekhukhune United was not injury-related, fueling speculation about the 28-year-old’s potential exit. The playmaker, who joined Pirates from SuperSport United in 2023, was omitted for non-tactical reasons despite being fully fit. Ouaddou declined to elaborate, stating, 'He’s not injured. He was available, but I just cannot speak about something that I don’t masterise in.'
Maswanganyi, who has been a key figure in Pirates’ recent successes including their 2023 league title, is closing in on a move to an unnamed Asian Football Confederation club in Bahrain. This follows reports linking him to Pyramids FC in Egypt, though the latest development points to an AFC destination. His potential departure would add to Pirates’ list of major exits this window, joining Relebohile Mofokeng and Deano van Rooyen.
Moremi Absence Clarified
Ouaddou also addressed the absence of Bafana Bafana international Tshepang Moremi, explaining the player was rested as a precaution after sustaining a knock in the 3-0 Betway Premiership win over Chippa United. 'We wanted to protect him,' the coach said, adding that Moremi is expected to return for the upcoming clashes against Sekhukhune United. The pair will face each other twice more this week, with a Premiership clash at Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday followed by the MTN8 semi-final second leg at the same venue.
