Orlando Pirates have confirmed the departure of attacking midfielder Tito Maswanganyi, with the player completing a move to Bahraini club Al Khaldiya Sports Club.
The 28-year-old midfielder will jet off to the Persian Gulf having been with the Buccaneers since 2022 and won eight trophies with the Soweto giants.
In a statement, Pirates explained that the decision followed discussions between the club, Maswanganyi and his representatives.
“Maswanganyi remained an important part of the technical team’s plans for the season,” the club said.
“However, following discussions with the player and his representatives, he expressed a clear desire to pursue a new opportunity abroad.”
The Soweto giants said they respected Maswanganyi’s ambitions and subsequently agreed to facilitate his departure.
“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,” the statement continued.
“A transfer was subsequently concluded with Al Khaldiya Sports Club.”
The 2023/2024 Players Player of the Season became an important attacking option during his time at the club, contributing goals and assists across domestic competitions.
His departure comes at a busy period for Pirates, who are competing in the Betway Premiership and MTN8 while also preparing for the CAF Champions League campaign.
Ouaddou will now have to adjust his attacking options following the exit of a player who was initially expected to remain part of his plans.
The move also represents another chapter in Maswanganyi’s career, with the midfielder now set to continue his development outside South Africa.
For Pirates, meanwhile, the focus shifts to managing his departure while maintaining the squad depth required for what promises to be a demanding season.
Maswanganyi is a third playmaker to leave Pirates this transfer window after Relebogile Mofokeng and Sipho Mbule, all who moved abroad.
