Patrick Maswanganyi closing in on Orlando Pirates move to Bahrain

Orlando Pirates are close to agreeing a deal that would see midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi leave the club for an unnamed side in Bahrain.

The 28-year-old is expected to move after the two clubs advanced discussions, with Maswanganyi already absent from Pirates’ MTN8 semi-final first-leg match against Sekhukhune United at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.

The prospective transfer was first reported by SABC Sport. Maswanganyi is set to join fellow South African midfielder Menzi Masuku in Bahrain, although the identity of his new club has not been disclosed.

Maswanganyi’s future at Orlando Pirates had previously been uncertain. He came close to leaving the Buccaneers for Chippa United at the beginning of last season, but remained with the club as Pirates went on to win the league.

This time, however, his departure appears significantly more advanced. His omission from the MTN8 tie against Sekhukhune United is the latest indication that he could be nearing the end of his time at Pirates.

Maswanganyi enjoyed a successful spell with the club, collecting all four major honours available to him during his time in the Pirates squad. Those titles were the Betway Premiership, MTN8, Carling Knockout Cup and Nedbank Cup.

The midfielder, also known as Tito, made 120 appearances for Orlando Pirates. He scored 28 goals and provided 21 assists during that run.

Despite speculation linking him with a move abroad, Egyptian club Pyramids never showed interest in signing Maswanganyi.

The Bahrain-based transfer would therefore represent the next stage of the midfielder’s career, with Pirates now closer to finalising an agreement for his departure. No details of the proposed deal or the identity of the Bahrain club have been made public.

Maswanganyi’s expected exit comes after a period in which he played a part in Pirates’ domestic success. His potential move had been discussed previously, but the latest developments suggest that negotiations have progressed further than they did before his near-transfer to Chippa United.

Pirates’ MTN8 semi-final first-leg meeting with Sekhukhune United took place without him, adding to the expectation that the midfielder is preparing to leave the South African club.

His record of 120 appearances, 28 goals and 21 assists leaves him with a notable contribution to Pirates’ recent run of success. He is now poised to continue his career in Bahrain, where he could link up with Masuku.

Story by Sinethemba Makonco (@Makonco_M).