Abdeslam Ouaddou Explains Why Patrick Maswanganyi Was Subbed off Early Against Sundowns

• Orlando Pirates boss Abdeslam Ouaddou has confirmed why Patrick Maswanganyi was subbed off early in the Buccaneers' victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final
• The South African international started the match but was withdrawn from the game before the half-time break
• The decision made by the former Marumo Gallants head coach sparked different thoughts from netizens on social media

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has come out to explain why he decided to sub Patrick Maswanganyi off early in their win over Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-final of the MTN8 cup at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Sundowns dominated most of the game and took the lead through former Stellenbosch FC player Iqraam Rayners, but Kamogelo Sebelebele's goal levelled the scoreline before the Soweto giants ended up winning 4-1 on penalties.

The former Marumo Gallants coach included Tito in the starting lineup after naming him on the bench in the first leg.

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Ouaddou on subbing Tito off in the first half

Speaking in the post-match interview, Ouaddou clarified the reason behind the first-half substitution of Tito, who recently changed his look, against the Brazilians.

“I’ve been a player for 17 years at a high level, and this can sometimes happen where you are not in the game,” the Moroccan tactician said after the match.

“It doesn’t mean that you are a bad player. Tito is a good player, I believe in him – he’s a fantastic player. He’s been important for the club for many years.

“Today wasn’t maybe his day, but I’m sure he’ll help us in the future.”

The Sea Robbers will face Stellenbosch FC in the final of the competition after the Stellies knocked out Sekhukhune United in the semis.

The Soweto giants faced Stellenbosch in the final last year and came out on top with a win, setting a record of three successive triumphs. They are looking forward to making it four in a row this season.

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The former Fulham midfielder's submission about Maswanganyi's early substitution against the Brazilians sparked different reactions from fans on social media.

Reactions as Ouaddou subbed off Tito early against Sundowns

Le'ray Shapiro said:

"Can he do the same with Mofokeng please, since this season has started is not mofokeng that we know."

Ntuli Zebhasi wrote:

"should have waited for halftime, heartbreaking to be substituted 1st half."

Tsushi_TT shared:

"He made a change that Jose was scared to change and it made a difference coach waduu 🙌🏾🙌🏾🔥🔥."

nghonyama_ronny reacted:

"He will not come back, there's nothing there,it's just a hype other players have been covering him alot,saleng, mofokeng n hotto, the ones have been doing well then Tito got hyped from their great work."

EliasJoji commented:

"That's how real coach react to off form player. Don't let liability player of the day to drag the whole team down. Quickly pull him out even if 10 minutes from starting. Out."

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Hatlani John added:

"Wise words from the coach. It's important to remember that where it matters most, Tito is the one that risks it all by putting his hand up. Indeed he had a bad game."

Ouaddou unhappy despite Pirates' win over Stellies

Briefly News also reported that Ouaddou opened up on the reason he was not happy despite Pirates' win over Stellenbosch FC in the League.

It was the Sea Robbers' first win in the Betway Premiership this season but the North African tactician was not happy with some things.

Source: Briefly News