Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has paid a glowing tribute to Patrick Maswanganyi following the midfielder’s departure from the Buccaneers, while admitting that the talented playmaker could have reached even greater heights had he embraced the coach’s demands earlier.
Maswanganyi has completed a move to Bahrain Premier League side Al Khaldiya Sports Club, bringing an end to a memorable three-season spell at Pirates. The 28-year-old was entering his fourth campaign with the Buccaneers but has now opted for a new challenge abroad.
During his time at the Soweto giants, Maswanganyi became an important figure in a trophy-laden period for the club. He won three MTN8 titles, the Nedbank Cup, Carling Black Label Cup and Betway Premiership, while also establishing himself as a consistent attacking contributor.
Affectionately known as ‘Tito’, Maswanganyi arrived at Pirates and immediately made an impression. In his first season, he was recognised by his peers and the league, winning the Players’ Player of the Season and Midfielder of the Season awards.
His numbers further underline his influence. Maswanganyi leaves Pirates having registered 28 goals and 21 assists in 120 appearances for the club.
Ouaddou, however, believes there was even more to come from the midfielder.
The Pirates coach revealed that the pair experienced a difficult period last season as Maswanganyi took time to adapt to the intensity and expectations demanded of him, particularly away from matchday.
“A huge, huge respect for this player, for what he gave for the club, the titles that he won. I think he’s a fantastic player, a gifted player that every coach wants to have in his team.”
Ouaddou explained that he places significant emphasis on training, arguing that a player’s preparation for a match begins long before they step onto the pitch.
“The job doesn’t start during the game. If you prepare the game, the training starts at the beginning of the week, for me. The trainings are very important.”
The coach admitted that he was initially unhappy with Maswanganyi’s approach in training, but highlighted a significant change in attitude from 24 June.
“I am happy that he came with a fantastic behaviour, fresh in every training. And I think you guys have seen his potential at the beginning of this season.”
For Ouaddou, that transformation was evidence of what Maswanganyi was capable of when he fully committed himself to the demands of the technical team.
Indeed, the French-Moroccan coach went as far as suggesting that the midfielder could have been part of the national team’s World Cup plans had he responded to those demands sooner.
“If he had listened to me last season, he would go to the World Cup, definitely.”
Despite the candid assessment, there was no shortage of appreciation from Ouaddou for a player he regarded as an important part of his squad.
With Maswanganyi now embarking on his first major overseas adventure, Ouaddou also offered him a word of advice, warning that life as a professional footballer in the Gulf region comes with its own pressures.
The Pirates coach said the midfielder would need to remain mentally strong, particularly because the expectations placed on foreign players can be significant.
“He’s going abroad. It’s not easy. He will have to be strong mentally.”
Ouaddou also pointed out that the environment would be different from South Africa, where players are accustomed to passionate and sizeable crowds, but cautioned that quieter stadiums do not necessarily mean less pressure.
According to the coach, clubs in the region place considerable expectations on their limited number of foreign players, making consistency and professionalism essential.
For Maswanganyi, the move represents the beginning of a new chapter after three seasons in which he established himself as a fan favourite at Pirates and played his part in a highly successful period for the club.
For Ouaddou, meanwhile, the departure marks the loss of a player he believes possesses exceptional ability — but also one whose story could have been even bigger.
“It was somebody that was important for us in the middle.”
As Maswanganyi prepares for life Bahrain, the message from his former coach is clear: the talent has never been in question. Now, away from the familiarity of Orlando Pirates and South African football, the challenge is to translate that talent into another successful chapter abroad.
Written by: Sandile Ndumo
