Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi is being linked with an early exit from Bahrain Premier League side Al Khaldiya after playing only two games since his transfer last year. The 28-year-old, a key figure for the Buccaneers over three seasons, has struggled for minutes abroad.
Maswanganyi joined Al Khaldiya in August 2023 but has featured just twice, both in the Asian Champions League. His debut was a 0-0 draw against Nasaf Qarshi on September 16, followed by a 3-1 loss to Kuwait SC on October 14. He has not scored for his new club.
Media reports state that his limited role is compounded by off-field concerns. "Maswanganyi’s off-field behaviour has led to the management considering his exit," the reports said. The club's technical team is also understood to prefer other options in his position.
During his time at Orlando Pirates, Maswanganyi made 120 official appearances, scoring 28 goals and providing 20 assists. His departure for Bahrain came as a surprise to many supporters.
His former club, meanwhile, is in strong domestic form. Orlando Pirates sit second in the Premier Soccer League with 22 points from eight games, just one point behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. Their record of seven wins and one draw includes a formidable defensive record, having conceded only one goal while scoring 19. They are on a three-game winning run, with their recent form reading four wins and one loss from their last five matches. This run includes a 4-0 victory over African Stars on Friday 23 October, a 1-0 win away to African Stars on Saturday 17 October, and a 3-0 win over TS Galaxy on Tuesday 13 October. Their next match is a key home fixture against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday 31 October, a key test in the title race against a side currently fifth in the table. The team's top scorer this season is T. Moremi, who has netted four goals in six appearances.
Any move for Maswanganyi would see him leave Al Khaldiya after barely a season, with his future now in doubt.
Further reading: The South African
