Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou responds to shock Patrick Maswanganyi exit rumours - 'I cannot say too much about the issue'

Orlando Pirates fans were left scratching their heads when the team sheet for the MTN8 semi-final first leg against Sekhukhune United was released, with Patrick Maswanganyi a notable absentee.

The playmaker has been a cornerstone of the Buccaneers' creative department, making his total omission from the squad a significant talking point among the Sea Robbers' faithful during the crucial cup tie.

Speaking after the match, head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou did little to quiet the growing whispers of a potential exit for the Bafana Bafana international.

When pressed on why the midfielder was not involved in the matchday proceedings, the coach offered a response that was both brief and remarkably guarded.

The coach's comments were particularly striking because he explicitly ruled out any fitness concerns as the reason for Maswanganyi being sidelined.

In a statement that has sent the rumour mill into overdrive, Ouaddou suggested that the matter was out of his hands or involved sensitive details that he was not permitted to share with the media or the public at this stage of the season.

Addressing the specific situation of the creative midfielder, Ouaddou stated: “For the other player, I cannot say too much about the issue; he’s not injured. I cannot speak about something that I don’t have the right to," as per iDiski Times.

While the situation regarding Maswanganyi remains shrouded in mystery, Ouaddou was far more forthcoming regarding the absence of Tshepang Moremi.

The winger, who has also become a key figure in the Pirates setup, missed the clash at Sekhukhune, but the coach was quick to clarify that his omission was purely based on medical advice and the need to manage his workload after a recent physical setback.

The Pirates mentor confirmed that the technical team opted for a cautious approach to ensure the player does not aggravate a minor problem.

“For Moremi, he got a knock in the last game, so we wanted to protect him,” Ouaddou explained.

“And I hope to have him for the next game; we wanted to protect him."

Despite the distractions surrounding individual player availability, Pirates managed to secure a vital advantage in their quest for silverware.

A solitary goal from Deon Hotto ensured the Buccaneers took a lead into the second leg, but the shadow of the Maswanganyi saga continues to loom large over the camp.

The technical team now faces the challenge of maintaining focus as they prepare to meet the same opponent in the coming days.

Whether 'Tito' returns to the fold or remains sidelined under a cloud of uncertainty will likely determine the narrative leading up to the next kick-off.