Patrick “Tito” Maswanganyi is closing in on a move to Bahrain, with Orlando Pirates reportedly in advanced talks over a deal that could bring his three-year spell with the Soweto giants to an end.
The 28-year-old attacking midfielder appears set for a new chapter abroad after he was noticeably absent from the Pirates squad that defeated Sekhukhune United 1-0 in the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
Maswanganyi’s omission immediately raised questions about his future, particularly because he had featured regularly for the Buccaneers leading up to the match.
Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou subsequently confirmed that Maswanganyi’s absence was not injury-related, adding further weight to reports of an imminent transfer.
Pirates in advanced talks
Pirates are understood to have all but concluded negotiations with an as-yet unnamed club in Bahrain, which competes under the Asian Football Confederation.
Should the remaining formalities be completed, Maswanganyi will leave Pirates after three successful seasons at the club.
His potential departure would represent another significant change to the Buccaneers’ squad following a period in which several prominent players have moved on.
Three successful years with the Buccaneers
Maswanganyi joined Pirates from SuperSport United in 2023 and quickly established himself as an important member of the squad and a favourite among supporters.
His creativity, technical ability and confidence in possession made him one of the most recognisable figures in the Pirates attack.
His time at the club culminated in a historic achievement last season when Pirates dethroned Mamelodi Sundowns to win their first league championship since 2012.
That success appeared to establish Maswanganyi as part of the core of a Pirates side capable of challenging for major honours.
However, the club’s squad has undergone significant changes since then.
Another big-name departure for Pirates
Pirates have already lost reigning Footballer of the Year Relebohile Mofokeng, who joined Belgian champions Union Saint-Gilloise following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Buccaneers also confirmed the departure of right-back Deano van Rooyen after two seasons at the club.
Maswanganyi now appears likely to become the next established player to leave, despite having featured in Pirates’ fixtures before his sudden omission against Sekhukhune.
The Buccaneers nevertheless continued their MTN8 title defence without him, with veteran Deon Hotto scoring the only goal to give Pirates a 1-0 advantage heading into the second leg.
Not Maswanganyi’s first move abroad
A transfer to Bahrain would not be Maswanganyi’s first experience outside South African football.
The midfielder spent several years developing in Portugal as a youngster after leaving South Africa through the renowned Stars of Africa Academy.
He eventually returned home and rebuilt his career before his performances for SuperSport United earned him the move to Pirates.
Maswanganyi has also earned four Bafana Bafana caps, although he subsequently slipped down the national-team pecking order and missed both the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
At 28, a move to Bahrain would offer Maswanganyi another opportunity to test himself outside South Africa while beginning a new phase of his career.
With negotiations reportedly nearing completion and his latest Pirates absence confirmed as unrelated to injury, Tito’s three-year journey with the Buccaneers now appears to be approaching its conclusion.
