Orlando Pirates are reportedly set to part ways with Patrick ‘Tito’ Maswanganyi in the coming days.
The potential departure of the 28-year-old midfielder comes as a surprise, especially after he started the season in good form for the Buccaneers.
There have been rumours that Maswanganyi and Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou have not always seen eye to eye, although neither the player nor the club has publicly confirmed those claims.
SABC Sport reported that Maswanganyi is closing in on a move to Bahrain after he was left out of the Orlando Pirates squad for Saturday’s MTN8 semi-final first-leg victory over Sekhukhune United.
“It’s believed the Soweto giants have all but concluded talks with an as-yet unnamed club in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC),” the publication reported.
Ouaddou was asked about Maswanganyi’s absence after the victory but refused to go into detail.
“For the other player I cannot say too much about the issue, he’s not injured,” the Pirates coach said.
“He was available but I cannot speak about something that I don’t masterise in.”
Tito to leave Orlando Pirates
Maswanganyi’s potential exit could be one of the biggest surprises of the transfer window, with the midfielder having played an important role for Pirates since joining the club.
While Maswanganyi could be heading out, Pirates could also be preparing to strengthen their squad.
The Buccaneers have been linked with Polokwane City right-back Thabang Matuludi.
The defender has reportedly not been training or featuring for Rise and Shine, fuelling speculation that he could be on his way out of the club.
Orlando Pirates recently parted ways with Deano van Rooyen, potentially opening up an opportunity for the club to bring in another right-back.
Matuludi could therefore emerge as a possible replacement as Pirates continue to reshape their squad.
Another player linked with a move to Orlando Pirates is teenage sensation Emile Witbooi.
However, reports suggest the highly rated youngster could instead be heading to Bayern Munich for trials.
For now, Maswanganyi’s situation remains the biggest talking point, with Pirates potentially set to lose one of their talented midfielders just weeks into the new season.