Ouaddou explains 'bigger role' for Maswanganyi at Orlando Pirates

The 28-year-old has been in impressive form since the start of the 2026/27 saw, converting a penalty in the 2-1 victory against Durban City in their MTN8 quarter-final clash before providing assist in the latest 3-0 league win over Chippa United.

"Tito" as he is affectionately known by supporters, has started all four matches this season and has now drawn praise from head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.

"Everybody who understands football, who knows football, can see fantastic quality on Tito," said the Moroccan mentor after the victory over Chippa on Sunday.

"As long as he brings the game in his favour, to play forward, it's what we have been saying to him, to bring the game forward. You see that he can help the team and he can be really the link between the defenders and the strikers."

Ouaddou further explained the importance of having the former SuperSport United star remain consistent throughout the new campaign.

"We did a lot of video sessions with him as well. And he's a clever boy; he’s a clever boy. He knows exactly what we’re expecting from him and he showed it today [vs Chippa]," added the 47-year-old.

“Again, I hope we will have this consistency because he's a key player for Pirates, definitely.

"And like you said, truly, with the departure of Rele [Mofokeng], he has a big space there to play and a very big role to play for our club. I’m very happy about his preparation since the beginning of the season."

The Buccaneers will turn their attention to their MTN8 semi-final clash against Golden A