Patrick Maswanganyi leaves Orlando Pirates for Bahrain move

Orlando Pirates have confirmed the surprise departure of Patrick Maswanganyi, who will join Bahrain Premier League club Alkhaldiya Sports Club after the two sides reached an agreement over his transfer.

The 28-year-old playmaker was left out of Orlando Pirates’ squad for Saturday’s match against Sekhukhune United. Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou said at the time that he was unable to provide further information about Maswanganyi, prompting increased speculation that the player could be preparing to leave the club.

Those reports were confirmed on Monday, when Orlando Pirates announced that Maswanganyi, also known as Tito, would continue his career in Bahrain.

The South African club said it had wanted to retain the player but accepted his wish to pursue a new opportunity abroad. Orlando Pirates added that its decision reflected Maswanganyi’s service to the club and its respect for his ambitions.

“Orlando Pirates Football Club can confirm that an agreement has been reached with Bahrain Premier League side Alkhaldiya Sports Club for the transfer of Patrick Maswanganyi,” the club stated.

“The 28-year-old playmaker departs the Buccaneers having firmly established himself as a fan favourite during his time at the Club.

“Maswanganyi remained an important part of the technical team’s plans for the season. However, following discussions with the player and his representatives, he expressed a clear desire to pursue a new opportunity abroad.

“In recognition of his service to the Club and his ambitions for the next chapter of his career, Orlando Pirates agreed not to stand in his way. A transfer was subsequently concluded with Alkhaldiya Sports Club.”

The announcement brings an unexpected end to Maswanganyi’s time with Orlando Pirates, despite the club making clear that he remained part of the technical team’s plans for the season.

His absence from the squad against Sekhukhune United had come before any formal confirmation of the transfer. Ouaddou’s refusal to offer further details after that match left the player’s situation unclear, but the club’s statement has now confirmed that his next destination will be Alkhaldiya Sports Club.

Orlando Pirates described Maswanganyi as a fan favourite and said he had firmly established himself during his spell with the Buccaneers. The club’s statement also made clear that the transfer was completed after discussions involving the player and his representatives.

Rather than blocking the move, Orlando Pirates agreed to allow Maswanganyi to leave in recognition of both his contribution and his desire to begin the next stage of his career overseas.