Maswanganyi bids emotional farewell to Orlando Pirates before Bahrain move

Patrick Maswanganyi has thanked Orlando Pirates, his team-mates, supporters and staff as he prepares to begin the next stage of his career with Bahrain club Alkhaldiya Sports Club.

The midfielder, affectionately known as Tito, ended his time with the Soweto giants on Monday, bringing his spell with the club’s black and white colours to a close.

Maswanganyi used social media to reflect on his journey at Orlando Pirates and acknowledge the people who contributed to his time at the club. His message covered the Pirates hierarchy, his fellow players, the technical and support teams, and the club’s fans.

“To Orlando Pirates Football Club”

“To Orlando Pirates Football Club, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Orlando Pirates Football Club for the opportunity to represent this historic institution. Wearing the black and white jersey has been a privilege and a responsibility that I have never taken for granted,” Maswanganyi wrote.

“My time at the club has provided me with invaluable experiences, important lessons and memories that I will carry with me throughout my career. I am proud to have been part of the Orlando Pirates family.”

The left-footed midfielder also paid tribute to the players with whom he shared the demands of domestic and continental football during his time at Pirates.

“To my teammates”

“Thank you for the camaraderie, support and professionalism you showed me throughout our time together. We shared the demands of the game, the pressure of competition, the celebrations and the difficult moments.

“Every experience contributed to my growth, both on and off the field. I am grateful for the friendships and memories we created.”

Maswanganyi reserved particular appreciation for the Orlando Pirates supporters, whose backing he said had a lasting impact on his time at the club.

“To Bucs fans”

“Thank you for your unwavering support throughout my time at the club. The songs, the chants, the nicknames, the messages and the energy you brought to every match will always be special to me.

“Your support gave me extra motivation to represent the badge with pride every time I stepped onto the field. Thank you for welcoming me and allowing me to feel that I belonged.”

He also thanked Orlando Pirates chairman Dr Irvin Khoza for the confidence shown in him and for the opportunity to represent the club.

“To Chairman Dr Irvin Khoza”

“Thank you for the trust you placed in me and for giving me the opportunity to represent Orlando Pirates.

“Being entrusted with the responsibility of wearing these colours and representing the club is something I will always value. I am grateful for the role you have played in my development and career.”

Maswanganyi said the contribution of those working away from the spotlight had been equally important to his development and ability to perform.

“To the technical team and everyone behind the scenes”

“Thank you for your commitment, professionalism and support throughout my time at the club.

“From the technical staff and medical team to the administrative and support staff, every department plays an important role in creating an environment where players can perform at their best. I sincerely appreciate the contribution each of you made to my time at Orlando Pirates.

“As I begin a new chapter in my career, I leave Orlando Pirates with immense respect and appreciation for the club, its people and its supporters. I am grateful for the opportunity. Thank you.”

Maswanganyi’s departure brings an end to his association with Orlando Pirates as he moves to Alkhaldiya Sports Club in Bahrain. His farewell message marked the conclusion of his time with the Soweto club and offered a public expression of gratitude to those who supported him during his career there.