Orlando Pirates are dealing with a growing midfield injury problem, creating opportunities for fringe players while Patrick Maswanganyi is being challenged to take on greater responsibility.
The Buccaneers have made a positive start to the campaign, but injuries to several key players could test the depth of Abdeslam Ouaddou’s squad.
Ouaddou wants more from Maswanganyi
With Relebohile Mofokeng no longer part of the squad, Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is looking to Patrick Maswanganyi to become a more influential figure in the team’s attack.
The 27-year-old has already shown glimpses of what he can offer.
Maswanganyi produced a goal and an assist against Durban City in the MTN8 quarter-finals before creating the opening goal in Pirates’ recent clash with Chippa United.
With Mofokeng’s creativity no longer available, Maswanganyi could now be asked to shoulder more of the responsibility for creating opportunities.
Injury crisis creates midfield headache
Pirates’ recent 1-1 draw with AmaZulu came with a significant cost.
Tshepang Moremi and Sihle Nduli were both forced off with injuries, while Evidence Makgopa is reportedly facing up to two months out after aggravating a knee problem.
There are also concerns surrounding Thalente Mbatha, who reportedly has a knee issue that could require further medical attention.
The growing list of absentees has forced Ouaddou to look deeper into his squad.
Dansin and Mokobodi handed an opportunity
Against Chippa United, Cemran Dansin and Thapelo Mokobodi were given starts in the base of midfield in the absence of Nduli and Mbatha.
Pirates initially struggled to impose themselves on the match but improved considerably after the break.
The Buccaneers eventually secured an impressive 3–0 victory, with goals from Gamphani Lungu, Lebone Seema and Daniel Msendami.
The result provided a positive response on the pitch, but the injury situation remains a concern.
Do Pirates need another midfielder?
For Ouaddou, the immediate challenge will be finding the right balance between managing injuries and maintaining momentum.
The emergence of Dansin and Mokobodi could provide welcome depth, while Maswanganyi’s increased attacking responsibility could become one of the defining storylines of the early season.
But with several midfielders dealing with injuries, the question remains:
Should Orlando Pirates strengthen their midfield before the squad depth is tested even further?
