Mercurial playmaker Patrick Maswanganyi has missed the last two matches due to injury. This has forced Orlando Pirates to find ways to rely on other players in the team, not just Tito.
Before kicking off against Chippa United, Pirates confirmed that Patrick Maswanganyi would be unavailable for the game due to a strain he suffered previously.
“Tito sustained a grade one strain in our match against Cape Town City. We will continue to monitor his situation and provide the technical team daily updates on his progress,” the Orlando Pirates medical staff reported.
Without Maswanganyi, the team has had to rely on other players to fill his shoes, though this has not always been easy
CAN ORLANDO PIRATES PERFORM WITHOUT PATRICK MASWANGANYI?
The kids love Tito 🗣️
This was a cool gesture for this young fan from Patrick Maswanganyi 🥹#SSDiski pic.twitter.com/8u7NlLMrZh
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) February 16, 2025
The Buccaneers have heavily relied on their star player over the past two seasons. Last season, he made 27 appearances out of 30 in the league, registering five goals and five assists.
His influence goes beyond the statistics, as he plays a key role in every attack Orlando Pirates orchestrate. This led him to the PSL Players’ Player of the Season last season.
Without him, the Buccaneers often struggle to create chances and pose a threat to opposition defences. They then rely on Relebohile Mofokeng to come up with something.
Unfortunately, it’s not just Maswanganyi who is unavailable, as several key players are also on the injury list
THE BUCCANEERS’ INJURY LIST
The Buccaneers are currently waiting on the following personnel:
Miguel Timm (Ankle)
He is expected to return to full training in 7-14 days.
Thabiso Monyane (Hamstring)
To start high-speed running next week.
Zakhele Lepasa (Ankle)
Has started field-based training with the strength and conditioning team.
Olisa Ndah (Shin)
He has completed his rehabilitation, has returned to full training, and is currently working on his match fitness.
Thabiso Lebitso (Ankle)
Continues to undergo treatment post-surgery. Attending Physiotherapy sessions for acute management.
Thabiso Sesane (Achilles)
Like Lebitso, Sesane also underwent a successful procedure and is currently undergoing treatment while attending Physiotherapy sessions for acute management
ARE THE BUCCANEERS ABLE TO RELY ON OTHER PLAYERS OUTSIDE OF PATRICK MASWANGANYI?
Is it a fair assessment that Orlando Pirates are overly reliant on Tito? Do they have to add more players to their roster who can take the weight off Maswanganyi? Or do you think they already have the players who can step up to the mantle?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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