Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou slammed for surprise Patrick Maswanganyi substitution against Mamelodi Sundowns in MTN8 semi-final second leg - ’It hurt Tito!’

Orlando Pirates fan-favourite and key man Patrick Maswanganyi was surprisingly taken off just six minutes before halftime in the MTN8 semi-final second leg against Mamelodi Sundowns at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday, 23 August, where the Buccaneers ultimately booked their spot in the final via a penalty shootout after a 2-2 aggregate draw.

While attention is on Pirates’ bid to defend the trophy for a fourth consecutive time, Maswanganyi’s early substitution has sparked plenty of conversation. 

“I think the coach made sacrifices in the first 20 minutes,” said Junior Khanye on iDiski TV.

“None other than that tactical change from the coach though I don’t agree with what he did because psychologically that hurt Tito. I know he has won but to sacrifice a player that could have won the game for you playing to his strength I think it hurt Tito Maswanganyi!

“Yeah, the decision worked for the team and the coach; the coach benefitted from that,” he concluded. 

Ouaddou defended his choice to take Maswanganyi off, bringing on Bandile Shandu to tweak the team’s tactics.  

He added that it was just one of those days for Maswanganyi and the change was necessary. 

With the Buccaneers now turning their attention back to Premier Soccer League action, Maswanganyi will be looking to fight his way back into the starting lineup ahead of the midweek clash.  

Pirates are set to host Orbit College, featuring on-loan player Monnapule Saleng, at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday, 26 August. 

However, the visitors won’t be able to field Saleng, along with fellow Bucs loanees Thuso Moleleki and Yanga Madiba, as their loan agreements prevent them from playing against their parent club.