Mngomeni hopes Bahrain move can help Maswanganyi’s career progress

Former Orlando Pirates captain Thabo Mngomeni hopes Patrick Maswanganyi’s move to Bahrain will help the midfielder develop, although he questioned whether the transfer represents the best route for the Bafana Bafana international’s career.

Maswanganyi has joined Alkhadiya Sports Club after ending his time with Pirates. The player arrived at the Johannesburg club from SuperSport United and won several trophies during his spell with the Buccaneers.

Alkhadiya Sports Club was founded in 2020 and has already claimed two league titles and two King’s Cups. The club is based on a picturesque island in Bahrain, in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula in West Asia.

Mngomeni, who is now an assistant coach with AmaZulu’s DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) team, believes the role of agents has become increasingly influential in shaping players’ careers and transfer decisions.

“I have not personally visited Bahrain; perhaps I know it by another name. Currently, agents dominate the transfer landscape. However, the positive aspect is that Orlando Pirates continue to develop players,” noted the dreadlocked former footballer, speaking toKickOff.

The former midfielder’s main concern is whether Bahrain is the right destination for Maswanganyi at this stage of his career.

“Perhaps the agents believe Bahrain serves as a gateway to more prestigious leagues. We are increasingly influenced by agents today,” averred Mngomeni.

Maswanganyi’s departure comes at a time when he had begun receiving regular opportunities in the Pirates team. Mngomeni believes the 2025-26 season could have provided the player with a platform to attract interest from bigger and more established football nations.

“Remaining at Pirates for an additional season could have enhanced his market value and attracted interest from well-established football nations,” notes Mngomeni.

The former Bucs captain said a player can continue to improve and strengthen his reputation through performances, even when relations with members of the coaching staff are not ideal.

“Even if relationships with coaching staff are strained, a player can improve his standing through consistent performance.

“Nevertheless, maybe the agent has insights unknown to us, such as the presence of scouts in Bahrain looking for talent for international clubs. We don’t know…”

Mngomeni’s comments reflect the uncertainty surrounding Maswanganyi’s next step after his decision to leave Pirates. While he remains hopeful that the transfer can ultimately open a path towards a more prominent league, he suggested that the move’s benefits may depend on the opportunities available to the player in Bahrain.

For now, Maswanganyi begins a new chapter with Alkhadiya Sports Club, a relatively lesser-known club outside Bahrain that has nevertheless established itself as a recent domestic force by winning four major honours since its formation.