Orlando Pirates agree Bahrain move for Patrick ‘Tito’ Maswanganyi

Orlando Pirates have confirmed the departure of attacking midfielder Patrick ‘Tito’ Maswanganyi, who has completed a transfer to Bahraini club Al Khaldiya Sports Club.

The 28-year-old will continue his career in the Persian Gulf after leaving the Soweto giants, whom he joined in 2022. During his time with the Buccaneers, Maswanganyi won eight trophies and established himself as an important attacking player.

Orlando Pirates said the transfer was agreed after discussions involving the club, the player and his representatives. The club added that Maswanganyi had remained part of the technical team’s plans for the new season, but had made clear his wish to seek a fresh opportunity abroad.

“Maswanganyi remained an important part of the technical team’s plans for the season,” the club said.

“However, following discussions with the player and his representatives, he expressed a clear desire to pursue a new opportunity abroad.”

Pirates said they respected the midfielder’s ambitions and had therefore chosen to support his decision to leave rather than prevent the move.

“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,” the statement continued.

“A transfer was subsequently concluded with Al Khaldiya Sports Club.”

Maswanganyi was named the 2023/2024 Players Player of the Season and became a regular attacking option for Pirates. He contributed goals and assists across domestic competitions during his spell at the club.

His departure comes during a demanding period for Orlando Pirates. The club are competing in the Betway Premiership and MTN8, while also preparing for their CAF Champions League campaign.

The move will require Ouaddou to reassess his attacking options, with Maswanganyi having initially been expected to remain part of the manager’s plans for the season. Pirates must now manage the loss of an influential playmaker while retaining the squad depth needed for a busy campaign.

For Maswanganyi, the transfer opens a new stage of his career outside South Africa and gives him the opportunity to continue his development with Al Khaldiya Sports Club in Bahrain.

He is the third playmaker to leave Orlando Pirates for an overseas club during this transfer window. Relebogile Mofokeng and Sipho Mbule have also departed the club, with both players moving abroad.

Maswanganyi’s exit marks the latest change to the Pirates squad as the club balances its ambitions across domestic and continental competitions. The Buccaneers will now have to move forward without a player who played a significant role in their attacking play since arriving in 2022.