Patrick ‘Tito’ Maswanganyi has officially left Orlando Pirates after completing his move to Bahrain Premier League side Al Khaldiya Sports Club.
The 28-year-old attacking midfielder brings an end to his time with the Buccaneers after becoming one of the club’s most popular players and an important part of their recent success.
Pirates confirmed that Maswanganyi remained part of head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s plans for the new season, but the player made it clear that he wanted to pursue a new opportunity abroad.
“Following discussions with the player and his representatives, he expressed a clear desire to pursue a new opportunity abroad,” Pirates said.
The club ultimately respected his wishes and agreed not to stand in his way, bringing his three-year spell in the famous black and white jersey to an end.
Maswanganyi, meanwhile, has now broken his silence with an emotional farewell message to the club, thanking everyone who played a role in his journey at Pirates.
“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Orlando Pirates Football Club for the opportunity to represent this historic institution,” he said on his Instagram page.
“Wearing the black and white jersey has been a privilege and a responsibility that I have never taken for granted.”
The former SuperSport United player also paid tribute to his teammates, technical staff and everyone working behind the scenes, saying his time at the club provided him with “invaluable experiences, important lessons and memories” that he will carry throughout his career.
Tito Maswanganyi remembers Pirates fans
“Thank you for your unwavering support throughout my time at the club,” Maswanganyi said.
“The songs, the chants, the nicknames, the messages and the energy you brought to every match will always be special to me.”
Maswanganyi added that the support from the famous Pirates faithful motivated him to represent the badge with pride every time he stepped onto the field.
As he begins a new chapter in Bahrain, the midfielder leaves Pirates with gratitude for the role the club played in his career.
“I leave Orlando Pirates with immense respect and appreciation for the club, its people and its supporters,” he said.
Maswanganyi signed off his farewell message with the words that have come to define the bond between players and the Pirates supporters: “Once/Always.”