By Linda Ximba
Orlando Pirates midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi appears to be edging closer to the exit door, with the Buccaneers reportedly nearing an agreement with an unnamed Bahraini club for his transfer.
As first reported by SABC Sport, the 28-year-old midfielder is expected to make the move to Bahrain, where he could join fellow South African midfielder Menzi Masuku.
Maswanganyi’s departure has seemingly been on the cards for some time. He was close to leaving the Soweto giants for Chippa United at the beginning of last season, but the move did not materialise.
This time, however, his exit appears more imminent. The midfielder was notably absent from Pirates’ MTN8 semi-final first-leg clash against Sekhukhune United at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, further fuelling speculation about his future.
Rumours linking Maswanganyi with Egyptian giants Pyramids have also been dismissed, with the club reportedly never showing interest in the midfielder.
Known affectionately as Tito, Maswanganyi leaves behind an impressive record at Pirates. He played 120 matches for the Buccaneers, scoring 28 goals and providing 21 assists.
During his time at the club, he won the Betway Premiership, MTN8, Carling Knockout Cup and Nedbank Cup, cementing his place as one of Pirates’ key players.
If the Bahrain deal is finalised, Tito’s departure will mark the end of a successful chapter in the famous black and white jersey.
