Orlando Pirates grant Patrick Maswanganyi wish to pursue new Bahrain challenge

Orlando Pirates have agreed a transfer deal with Alkhaldiya Sports Club for South African playmaker Patrick Maswanganyi.

The 28-year-old will leave the Buccaneers after establishing himself as a firm favourite with supporters during his time at the club. The move follows discussions between Maswanganyi, his representatives and Orlando Pirates, during which the player made it clear that he wanted to take up a new opportunity abroad.

Maswanganyi had been an important part of the technical team’s plans for the coming season. However, Orlando Pirates decided not to stand in the way of his ambitions after considering his contribution to the club and his desire to continue his career overseas.

An agreement was subsequently reached with Alkhaldiya Sports Club, bringing Maswanganyi’s spell with Orlando Pirates to an end.

The club said the player, who is also known as “Tito”, would leave a lasting legacy both on and off the pitch.

“‘Tito’ leaves the club with an indelible mark, both on and off the field. From his first appearance in the famous black and white shirt, he gave the supporters countless moments of joy and represented this club with pride.”

Orlando Pirates added that Maswanganyi’s departure came after he had won the league title and become one of the club’s most popular players.

“He leaves the club as a league champion, a fan favourite and a player who fully understood the responsibility of representing Orlando Pirates Football Club. The Club thanks Tito for his dedication and wishes him every success in Bahrain and for the next chapter of his career.”

Maswanganyi’s exit represents a change to the squad that Orlando Pirates had been preparing for the new season, given his status as a key player in the technical team’s plans. The club nevertheless chose to respect his request to seek a fresh experience outside South Africa.

His time at Orlando Pirates was marked by a strong connection with the supporters, who embraced him during his spell in the black and white colours. The club’s statement underlined both his performances on the field and the way he conducted himself away from it.

Maswanganyi now begins the next phase of his career with Alkhaldiya Sports Club in Bahrain. Orlando Pirates have wished him success with his new club and in his future career.