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Patrick Maswanganyi set for Bahrain move as Orlando Pirates exit looms

2 months By Chumasande Matiwane

Orlando Pirates midfielder Patrick ‘Tito’ Maswanganyi is reportedly nearing a move to Bahrain, marking the potential end of his three-year stint with the Soweto giants.

Also see: Orlando Pirates say goodbye to Deano van Rooyen 

Maswanganyi’s future has become one of the major talking points around Orlando Pirates after he was surprisingly left out of the squad for Saturday’s MTN8 semi-final first-leg victory over Sekhukhune United.

Patrick Maswanganyi heads to Bahrain

According to SABC Sport, the 28-year-old is close to joining an unnamed club in Bahrain, with talks between the parties believed to be at an advanced stage.  

The report says Pirates have “all but concluded” negotiations over the transfer.  

The midfielder’s omission from the 1-0 victory at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium immediately raised questions.  

Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou confirmed after the match that Maswanganyi was not injured but declined to elaborate on the reason for his absence.

 

Also see: Orlando Pirates clash with AmaZulu in Durban 

A successful Pirates spell

Maswanganyi joined Orlando Pirates from SuperSport United in 2023 and quickly established himself as an important attacking midfielder. The Premier Soccer League recorded his arrival in July 2023, when he spoke of his ambition to contribute to the Buccaneers’ history. 

His time at Pirates has ultimately been decorated with major domestic honours. According to iDiski Times, Maswanganyi made 120 appearances for Pirates, scoring 28 goals and providing 21 assists.  

He also won the Betway Premiership, MTN8, Carling Knockout Cup and Nedbank Cup during his Pirates career. 

The 2025/26 campaign was particularly successful for the club, with Pirates ending Mamelodi Sundowns’ long reign as league champions and completing a memorable domestic campaign under Ouaddou. 

The exact identity of the Bahrain club has not yet been revealed, and Orlando Pirates has not officially announced the transfer. Earlier speculation had linked Maswanganyi with a possible move to Egypt, but the latest reporting points firmly towards the Gulf state instead. 

Also see: Norway’s Sebastian Pedersen joins Orlando Pirates in an exciting new chapter 

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