Orlando Pirates confirm Patrick Maswanganyi exit to Alkhaldiya

Orlando Pirates have confirmed Patrick Maswanganyi’s departure to Bahrain Premier League club Alkhaldiya Sports Club, ending the 28-year-old playmaker’s spell with the Buccaneers. The transfer follows the player’s request to pursue a new opportunity outside South Africa.

Maswanganyi was absent from Pirates’ squad for Saturday’s match against Sekhukhune United. Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou said at the time that he could not provide further information about the player, increasing uncertainty around his immediate future.

Pirates confirmed on Monday that an agreement had been reached with Alkhaldiya for Maswanganyi’s transfer. The club said it had wanted to retain him and that he remained part of the technical team’s plans for the season.

Discussions involving Maswanganyi and his representatives led to a clear decision from the player to leave. Pirates accepted that preference and allowed the transfer to proceed, citing his service to the club and his ambitions for the next stage of his career.

Maswanganyi leaves after establishing himself as a popular figure among Pirates supporters. His exit comes despite his continued importance to the coaching staff’s plans, making the move a significant change for the club as the season continues.

The transfer takes the attacking midfielder to Alkhaldiya in Bahrain, where he will continue his career in the country’s top-flight league. Pirates did not disclose further details of the agreement, but confirmed that the move had been completed.