Ouaddou cryptic on Maswanganyi, delivers verdict on Pedersen
· Citizen
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has explained the absence of midfielders Tshepang Moremi and Patrick Maswanganyi from his matchday squad for the MTN8 match against Sekhukhune United.
The duo were notable absentees from the Pirates squad that beat Sekhukhune 1-0 in the first leg of the semi-finals at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday.
While Ouaddou was able to explain why Moremi missed the match, the Moroccan mentor stayed guarded and tight-lipped on Maswanganyi, stating the player was not injured and was available, but refused to comment further.
“Moremi picked up an injury in the last match, so we wanted to protect him. And I hope to have him for the next game, we wanted to protect him,” Ouaddou told the media.
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“Regarding the other player [Patrick Maswanganyi], I cannot say much about the matter. He is not injured,” he said.
“He was around, but I can’t speak about something I don’t fully know about.”
Maswanganyi’s absence is bound to raise eyebrows amid rumours linking him with a move to Rulani Mokwena’s Pyramids FC of Egypt, as well as an unnamed Bahraini club.
Ouaddou delivers verdict on Pedersen
Meanwhile, Ouaddou has delivered an optimistic verdict on the Norwegian striker Sebastian Pedersen following his debut for the Buccaneers.
Pedersen came on for Yanela Mbuthuma in the 65th-minute in the game against Sekhukhune and immediately showed glimpses of the technical ability that prompted Pirates to sign him from Norwegian side Sogndal Fotball during the offseason transfer period.
Ouaddou expressed his satisfaction with how Pedersen quickly integrated into the team’s tactical framework.
“He’s clever. He’s getting into the space where we want to find him. And he’s able to fight. We are able to find him in the pockets. His technical quality is also very interesting. I am sure that he’s going to really help the team,” commented Ouaddou.
Ouaddou is pleased with how Pedersen quickly found his feet and hit the ground running in the competitive Betway Premiership.
“Every league has its own specificity,” continued Ouaddou.
“You don’t have to think that just because you come from Europe, it will be easy. The PSL is a good environment. There’s speed, impact and organised speed. The level is high. I am sure that he’ll integrate quickly.”
Pedersen might get more playing minutes when Pirates meet Sekhukhune again, this time in a Betway Premiership clash at the Orlando Amstel Arena tomorrow (kick-off is at 7.30pm).