Patrick Maswanganyi has revealed how he reacted to his early substitution against Mamelodi Sundowns, during which he was hooked off in the 38th minute of Orlando Pirates' MTN8 win.
Pirates won the semi-final clash following a 4-1 penalty shootout result, with the two sides locked in at 2-2 on aggregate at the final whistle at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.
To the surprise of many, Maswanganyi, who had been integral for the Soweto giants in previous seasons, could not complete the first half on the pitch as he was hauled off for Banele Shandu.
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This move allowed head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou to push danger man Kamogelo Sebelebele up front and slot Relebohile Mofokeng into the number 10 role.
The 28-year-old returned to the starting XI against Orbit College FC and delivered a Man of the Match performance in what culminated into a 1-0 win at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday.
Speaking to SuperSport TV after the match, the Tembisa-born star revealed he had a conversation with the Bucs tactician coach and understood the decision.
"I managed to get over it because the coach spoke to me. I had to understand the decision that he made, that it is not personal. It is a tactical decision," said Maswanganyi.
"We knew it was going to help us during the game.
"Tonight I had to come and play, and I did well, so yeah. I think now I’m too old to be disappointed by such things.
"I think you need to man up, and you need to show the younger ones that even if you think the coach made a mistake or made a decision that you think is bad, but it is good for the team. As long as the team is winning, and we know what we are working towards," he added.
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The 27-year-old was well pleased with his individual accolade received on the night.
"It means a lot. Last season, I didn’t even get one. So, this season I’m aiming to get a few more, so I need to push and push very hard to collect more because it is not the first and it is not the end."
Bucs now turn their attention to Chippa United, whom they meet at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Sunday.
Photo: Gallo Images/Daniel Hlongwane
