Reigning Betway Premiership champions Orlando Pirates have confirmed the departure of Patrick Maswanganyi after reaching an agreement with Bahrain Premier League side Alkhaldiya Sports Club.
The 28-year-old playmaker leaves the Buccaneers at the start of the new season, having been expected to play a key role in their title defence.
The former SuperSport United midfielder contributed 10 goals and four assists in 34 appearances last season, although only 20 of those came as starts. Despite establishing himself as a popular figure among Pirates supporters during his time in the famous black-and-white jersey, the club has agreed to let him leave.
Pirates confirmed on Monday evening that they had reached an agreement with Alkhaldiya for Maswanganyi’s transfer. The club revealed that the attacking midfielder remained part of the technical team’s plans for the new season but had made it clear that he wanted to pursue an opportunity abroad.
WHY ORLANDO PIRATES ARE LETTING MASWANGANYI GO
“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,” Pirates said in a statement on Monday.
“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.”
The Buccaneers hailed the former Matsatsantsa attacker for his contributions during his time at the club, where he won the league title and became a firm favourite among supporters.
“‘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,” Pirates added.
“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.”
Pirates thanked Maswanganyi for his service and wished him well as he begins the next chapter of his career in Bahrain.
“The Club thanks Tito for his dedicated service and wishes him every success in Bahrain and in the next chapter of his career.”
Maswanganyi now joins Alkhaldiya as he begins his second spell outside South Africa, having previously played in Portugal.
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