Orlando Pirates coach Ouaddou explains ‘difficult moments’ with Tito after move abroad

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has conceded he did not have a good relationship with departed versatile attacker Patrick Maswanganyi.

The 28-year-old, was sold to the Bahrain Premier League outfit Alkhaldiya Sports Club, despite the Sea Robbers needing his experience following the exit of some established stars.

So far, Bucs have parted ways with Relebohile Mofokeng (Royale Union Saint-Gilloise), Gilberto, Karim Kimvuidi, Thabiso Lebitso (Stellenbosch), Tshegofatso Mabasa, Sipho Mbule, Bandile Shandu, Gomolemo Khoto (Sekhukhune United), Siyabonga Ndlozi (Sekhukhune United), Tshepho Mashiloane (Sekhukhune United, Loan), Thabiso Sesane (Siwelele FC), Selaelo Rasebotja (Siwelele FC), Siyabonga Ndlozi (Sekhukhune United), Gomolemo Khoto (Sekhukhune United), Sonwabo Khumalo (Midlands), Blessing Ngiba (Midlands), Seth Green (Durban City), Melusi Buthelezi, Neo Mokoena (AmaZulu), Goodman Mosele (Chippa United), and most Deano van Rooyen (Released).

Mofokeng and Mbule, notably, were used in the No. 10 role before leaving in the almost concluding transfer window.

Ouaddou opens up on rift with Tito

On Tuesday, Bucs beat Sekhukhune United 2-0 in the Premier Soccer League outing at the Orlando Amstel Arena. Ouaddou was asked about the reported conflict between him and Maswanganyi, and he admitted there was a problem.

“I have huge respect for this player, the titles he won, he’s a fantastic player, a gifted player, every coach would want to have him in their team,” Ouaddou responded.

“We had difficult moments last season, it took a bit of time for him to understand what I expect of him. In training, I always said the job doesn’t start in the game, it starts in training at the start of the week.

“I was not happy with how he was training but I was happy how he came from 24th June, fantastic behaviour, fresh, in every training, full of energy every training. You all saw his potential at the start of the season, it was very important, he was very important.

“I think if he listened to me last season, he would have been at the World Cup, definitely,” he concluded.