Orlando Pirates playmaker Patrick Maswanganyi reveals how he felt and reacted after the first-half substitution against Mamelodi Sundowns - 'I think I’m very old'

Orlando Pirates star Patrick Maswanganyi has revealed how he reacted following his first-half substitution during their MTN8 semi-final clash against Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday.

In what was seen as a shocking yet tactical change, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou withdrew the attacking midfielder in the 39th minute and threw fullback Bandile Shandu into action.

The change was made when the Sea Robbers were already trailing, and Maswanganyi has stated he and the coach had a talk about it.  

“I think it’s the love that I get from my teammates; they make sure that I push. I think 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 that we played against Mamelodi Sundowns was a difficult game, but I got over it because the coach spoke to me. 

“I had to understand that the decision that he made – I had to understand it’s not personal; it’s a tactical decision, and we knew it’s going to help us during the game." 

Maswanganyi returned to the starting XI for the Premier Soccer League match against Orbit College, which Bucs won by a solitary goal.

“So tonight (Tuesday) I had to come and play, and I did well," he added.

“I think I’m very old to get disappointed. I think you need to man up, and you need to 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."  

Despite the early withdrawal in the previous game, which Pirates went on to win 4-1 on post-match penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time, Maswanganyi was impressive against Orbit College.   

Indeed, he was named the Man of the Match as he produced an incredible performance to help Pirates register a second straight win in the league.

Although he attracted criticism then, especially from the club's supporters when he was substituted, he must have won back some hearts with his performance against Orbit College.

The challenge is now up to him: to keep the good form and give a good example to his younger teammates in a season they are expected to mount successful campaigns across many competitions.