Orlando Pirates confirm Patrick Maswanganyi move to Bahrain

Betway Premiership champions Orlando Pirates have confirmed that midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi has joined Bahrain Premier League club Alkhaldiya Sports Club.

The 28-year-old playmaker was absent from Orlando Pirates’ squad for their MTN8 meeting with Sekhukhune United over the weekend. Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou offered little detail at the time about why Maswanganyi had not been selected, amid speculation over his future.

The club has now announced that an agreement has been reached for the midfielder’s transfer, bringing his time with the Buccaneers to an end.

Orlando Pirates said Maswanganyi remained part of the technical team’s plans for the season, but that the player had made clear his wish to continue his career abroad after discussions with the club and his representatives.

The club chose to respect that decision and subsequently concluded a deal with Alkhaldiya Sports Club.

In a statement, Orlando Pirates Football Club said:

“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 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.

“Tito” leaves having made a lasting impression both on and off the field. From his first appearance in the famous black and white jersey, he gave the Ghost countless moments to celebrate and represented this club with pride.

He departs as a league champion, a firm favourite among the supporters and a player who understood the responsibility of representing Orlando Pirates Football Club.

The Club thanks Tito for his dedicated service and wishes him every success in Bahrain and in the next chapter of his career.”

Maswanganyi, who is known as “Tito”, leaves Orlando Pirates having become a popular figure among the club’s supporters. The club said he made a significant impression both through his performances and through his conduct away from the pitch.

He arrived in Orlando Pirates’ famous black and white colours and, according to the club, provided the Ghost with many memorable moments. His departure comes after he helped the Buccaneers secure the Betway Premiership title.

The move also means Maswanganyi will begin the next stage of his career in the Bahrain Premier League with Alkhaldiya Sports Club.

Orlando Pirates wished the midfielder “every success in Bahrain and in the next chapter of his career” as he completes his move abroad.