BREAKING 💣 Pirates Star Maswanganyi MISSING from Matchday Squad – Trouble Behind the Scenes? 😨🖤

Orlando Pirates are known for their intensity on the field, but it seems the real drama this week is unfolding off it.

Supporters were left in total disbelief when Relebohile Maswanganyi, the club’s rising midfield sensation, was noticeably absent from the matchday squad—with no official explanation given at the time.

The 26-year-old, who has been one of Pirates’ most dynamic performers this season, was expected to start or at least make the bench, making his omission even more mysterious and concerning.

It didn’t take long for the speculation to begin.

Sources close to the club are now suggesting that Maswanganyi may be facing internal disciplinary action, following what has been described as “a breach of team protocols.

” While details remain unconfirmed by Pirates’ official channels, whispers from inside the Buccaneers camp point to a possible fallout between the player and coaching staff during the build-up to the match.

One insider told local reporters that Tito had been “late to a tactical meeting” and may have “shown a poor attitude in training” leading up to the fixture.

If true, it would explain why head coach José Riveiro made the bold decision to drop one of his most in-form players at such a critical point in the campaign.

But it’s not just about punctuality—some believe deeper friction has been brewing behind the scenes for weeks.

Maswanganyi has had a meteoric rise since joining Pirates from SuperSport United and quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his flair, creativity, and aggressive style of play.

But that same passion, some claim, may have started clashing with the club’s strict tactical discipline.

Multiple sources suggest this isn’t the first time Tito has been involved in behind-the-scenes tension, although this may be the first time it’s resulted in actual exclusion from matchday duties.

Fans quickly took to social media to express shock and disappointment, with hashtags like #WhereIsTito and #PiratesDrama trending on X (formerly Twitter).

“We want answers! You don’t just bench a baller like Maswanganyi unless something serious went down,” one supporter posted.

Another wrote: “Pirates better not ruin another star with their politics.

Tito deserves better.

Adding more fuel to the fire, Maswanganyi himself posted a cryptic Instagram story just hours after the squad announcement—a black screen with the words: “Not everything needs to be explained.

” The post, which has since been deleted, only intensified speculation that something went down behind closed doors.

Some fans took it as confirmation of internal drama, while others pleaded with him not to let emotions derail his promising career.

The club has remained silent on the matter so far, offering no public statement about Tito’s absence or the swirling rumors.

But insiders believe a formal update could be released within the coming days, especially as pressure mounts from supporters and the media.

Meanwhile, the technical team is said to be monitoring the situation closely, with some suggesting that a temporary “cooling-off period” could be in place.

If disciplinary issues are confirmed, it would mark a worrying trend at the club.

Pirates have seen multiple player-management clashes in recent seasons, and critics argue that these constant internal disputes could be stalling the team’s progress.

On the flip side, if the rumors prove false, then questions must be asked about communication and transparency from the coaching staff to the fans—who deserve to know why their top performers are being sidelined.

Still, there’s hope that this is just a minor blip in Maswanganyi’s journey.

Former players and pundits have urged the club to handle the situation with care, emphasizing his talent and the danger of alienating a player with so much potential.

“He’s not just a baller—he’s a future icon,” one analyst said.

“You manage that energy, not crush it.

As things stand, Maswanganyi’s future in the starting XI remains uncertain.

Will he return in the next match? Is there a deeper disciplinary procedure underway? Or is this just a momentary lapse in an otherwise glowing career trajectory? One thing is certain—this isn’t the last we’ve heard of the Tito saga.

Fans are watching, the media is digging, and inside Orlando Pirates, the pressure is rising.

Whatever happens next could define not only Maswanganyi’s season—but the club’s future direction when it comes to managing its stars.