Why Patrick Maswanganyi was missing

1 Views

Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has given a rather suspicious reason for Patrick Maswanganyi’s absence against Al Ahly on Saturday.

NO PATRICK MASWANGANYI AGAINST AL AHLY

Following the goalless draw against the Egyptian giants in Group C of the CAF Champions League on Saturday, coach Jose Riveiro was asked about the shock absence of his 26-year-old playmaker Maswanganyi.

“He was not available for selection today,” Riveiro said as quoted by iDiski Times.

“Like I said many times I don’t feel I have the right to speak about somebody’s health, maybe about mine. But he was not available for selection to the 20.

“I don’t think, we have any reason to – I don’t know how to say it without any headline – sorry but after this performance to sit here and talk about one player who didn’t play, it’s a little bit disappointing for me.

“I think we have to talk about the game that Saleng, Rele, Hotto, everybody coming from the bench played, because they did a fantastic job, it was an excellent match.

“Speaking about anyone who were not the protagonists today, I think it’s not the right moment. But just to answer your question, he was not available for selection,” concluded the Orlando Pirates mentor.

NEW MIDFIELDER TRAINING WITH ORLANDO PIRATES

Orlando Pirates could announce a new central midfielder soon. iDiski Timeshave spotted Siphele Luthuli wearing red and black.

Former University of Pretoria, Bloemfontein Celtic, and Chippa United midfielder Luthuli, 29, has started training with the Buccaneers in hopes of impressing coach Jose Riveiro.

The Durban-born player is a free agent since leaving Chippa in July.

Former Chippa United midfielder Siphelele Luthuli, who is currently a free agent, has been spotted training at Orlando Pirates,” iDiski Times’ Lorenz Kohler reported.

CURRENT OPTIONS IN CENTRAL MIDFIELD

  1. Makhehlene Makhaula
  2. Thalente Mbatha
  3. Selaelo Raseboja
  4. Miguel Timm
  5. Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo
  6. Goodman Mosele (injured)
  7. Siphelo Baloni (on loan at Chippa United).

SHOULD ORLANDO PIRATES SIGN SIPHELE LUTHULI?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com. You can also send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.