Orlando Pirates have confirmed an agreement with Bahrain Premier League side Alkhaldiya Sports Club for the transfer of playmaker Patrick “Tito” Maswanganyi.
By Zuko Komisa

Orlando Pirates Football Club have confirmed an agreement with Bahrain Premier League side Alkhaldiya Sports Club for the transfer of playmaker Patrick “Tito” Maswanganyi.
The 28-year-old departs Soweto as a league champion and firm fan favourite after establishing himself as a key figure during his tenure with the Buccaneers.
“He expressed a clear desire to pursue a new opportunity abroad. 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.”
Although Maswanganyi remained central to the technical team’s plans for the upcoming campaign, Pirates opted to honour his wish for an overseas move following discussions with the player and his representatives.
The club expressed their gratitude to “Tito” for his dedicated service and wished him success as he begins his new chapter in Bahrain.
During his spell at Orlando Pirates, Maswanganyi established himself as one of South Africa’s premier creative talents, delivering 16 goals across all competitions and driving the Buccaneers to five major trophies.
His individual brilliance peaked during a dominant 2023/24 campaign, where he swept the Premier Soccer League (PSL) awards, capturing the DStv Premiership Players’ Player of the Season, Midfielder of the Season, and Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament.
Renowned for his close control, vision, and decisive final-third passing, “Tito” anchored Pirates’ attack through successive MTN8 titles, a Nedbank Cup victory, and a league championship triumph before securing his move to Bahrain.
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