Abdeslam Ouaddou explains Patrick Maswanganyi substitution | OneFootball

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Ouaddou sheds light on Maswanganyi shock substitution against Sundowns

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Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has shed light on the reason behind withdrawing playmaker and fan favorite Patrick Maswanganyi in the first half against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final on Saturday.

The Soweto giants progressed to their fourth consecutive MTN8 final after securing a 4-1 penalty shootout victory over the Brazilians following a one-all draw in regulation time as Kamogelo Sebelebele canceled out Iqraam Rayners’ opener.

While Pirates reigned supreme on the day, the Moroccan tactician raised eyebrows with a bold decision to replace Maswanganyi for Deano Van Rooyen in the 38th minute – a decision he clarified after the match.

“We have to be careful about that because Patrick is one of our best players, he is a top player. He has been doing well for many years in the club, and I believe in him,” said Ouaddou.

“Sometimes in football, especially me because I have been in the football profession for 17 years, I can’t tell you how many times the coach took me out because I was not on a good day. It didn’t mean that I was a bad player.

“It simply means today [Saturday] was not his day, but I still believe in him, he’s very important for the club and we don’t know maybe he will be a starter in the final. It’s just that today was not his day, it was a tactical choice.

The Sea Robbers will battle against Stellenbosch FC in the final, in what will be a repeat of last season’s decider in the same competition. Pirates overcame Stellies 3-1 en route to lifting their third title on the trot, becoming the first club in PSL history to achieve the feat.

Ouaddou’s men will now switch their attention to the Betway Premiership, where they are set to tackle newly promoted Orbit College at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday evening as they look to improve on their current 11th-place standing on the table.