Patrick Maswanganyi has opened the lid about his unexpected exit from Orlando Pirates as he is seen gesturing emotionally to supporters after scoring during the MTN8 match early this season.

Image: BackpagePix

Patrick Maswanganyi has revealed how his sudden departure from Orlando Pirates early in the season was about protecting his mental health and those around him, especially his family.

Maswanganyi started the season well at Pirates, playing four games and registering one goal and one assist across all competitions. He was expected to be pivotal in the team’s structure, especially after several key departures, including talisman Relebohile Mofokeng.

However, reports emerged that he was on his way to join Bahrain-based side Al-Khaldiya SC – a move that shocked the football fraternity once he completed the switch.

The shock also stemmed from the fact that Maswanganyi had formed a strong bond with the Ghost, with fans chanting ‘Weh Tito! Weh Tito! Weh Tito!’ whenever he was in possession or performed tricks on the day.

However, speaking to the South African Football Journalists Association (Safja) recently, he revealed that behind closed doors, he was struggling with the criticism he was receiving, especially on social media.

“I needed to be in a space where I could feel like myself again and also to try to be at peace because I was looking for peace in a way when I was in South Africa I couldn’t have. I needed peace, so that’s why I went there,” said Maswanganyi.

“Everyone knows that I was under a lot of pressure, not really pressure for me, but my family was suffering from the comments that I was getting from the media.”

The toll became unbearable for the player, with some of his family members even advising him to stop playing entirely – a suggestion he refused before opting to move to Bahrain.

“They would see those things, and they wanted me to quit football, but for me it was something I would understand because I’m a professional player, and these things happen,” he said.

“But for them, it was really tough, and I also had to make sure that my family was well-protected from those things. I felt that if I were to move far away from the country, things would get better in terms of their health.

“And also, for myself, because I had to stop being in a space where I had a lot of thoughts about football, whether I’m good or bad.”

Maswanganyi has made an impressive start abroad, helping the team climb to fifth in the standings as they trail league leaders Al-Shabab by only two points. He will want to help the team move further up the table upon his return, especially after presumably feeling lighter and more at peace following his departure from Pirates.