Ouaddou explains shocking early sub of Maswanganyi

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has clarified the reasoning behind his surprising decision to substitute star midfielder Patrick “Tito” Maswanganyi just 38 minutes into the MTN8 semi-final against Patrick “Tito” Maswanganyi j.

The move, which saw Maswanganyi replaced by Bandile Shandu, was a major talking point in a tightly contested match that the Buccaneers eventually won 4-1 on penalties.

The sold-out game was staged at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, and it ended 1-1 after 90 minutes with penalties separating the two teams. It was 2-2 on aggregate as the first-leg also finished 1-all at Orlando Stadium last weekend.

Sundowns scored first when Iqraam Rayners found the back of the net in the opening half. However, Pirates’ equaliser came in the second half, courtesy of a goal from the versatile and in-form Kamogelo Sebelebele, who was also named Man of the Match.

Ouaddou revealed that the substitution was a tactical decision made after the technical team observed that Maswanganyi was struggling.

“I have been a player for 17 years at the high level, and it can happen that sometimes you are not in the game, at your best,” Ouaddou stated in a post-match interview with SuperSport TV. “It doesn’t mean that you are a bad player. Tito is a good player, and I believe in him. He has been very important for the club for many years. So today was not his day. I’m sure he will help us in the future.”

The victory, sealed by a heroic penalty shootout performance from goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, secured Pirates’ spot in the MTN8 final for the fourth consecutive season.