Patrick Maswanganyi: Ex-Pirates star linked with early Bahrain exit

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi could reportedly cut short his spell in Bahrain in what could be a shocking development.

Maswanganyi left Pirates in August to sign for Bahrain Premier League side Alkhaldiya Sports Club but after a good start, he has fallen down the pecking order.

The playmaker has played just two games for his new side amid unverified claims that he has had some off-field issues at the club, leading to speculation that he could be on his way out.

According to SoccerBeat, Tito, as he is affectionately known, could be heading for an early exit from Bahrain as Alkhaldiya are mulling their next move.

Maswanganyi’s tough spell in Bahrain

It is a surprising development given the midfielder joined the club with his stock high, having been one of the best players at Pirates during his spell with the Soweto giants.

The 28-year-old made 120 appearances, scoring 28 goals and providing 21 assists, in his three years with the Buccaneers.

However, two games with no goals in close to two months at his new club is not what was expected from Maswanganyi and it remains to be seen if his fortunes will change or whether the reported parting of ways will happen.

Maswanganyi’s first game for Alkhaldiya was on September 16 during a goalless draw against Nasaf Qarshi with his second on October 14 against Kuwait SC, when his team lost 3-1, both in the Asian Champions League.