Patrick “Tito” Maswanganyi has revealed that the online abuse he experienced during his time in South Africa became so difficult for his family that they wanted him to consider leaving the country’s football scene.

The former Orlando Pirates midfielder opened up about the emotional impact of cyberbullying during an interview with the South African Football Journalists Association (SAFJA), explaining why a move abroad became an important step in his career.

Maswanganyi is now playing for Bahrain top-flight club Al Khaldiya after departing Pirates towards the end of August. He said the decision was partly motivated by his desire to regain his confidence and find the peace he felt he had lost while playing in South Africa.

According to the footballer, his family had grown tired of seeing the insults and negative comments directed at him on social media. Their concern became another factor in his decision to seek a fresh environment away from the constant criticism.

He explained that leaving Pirates was not a sudden idea. He had previously discussed the possibility with one of the club’s leaders, Mpumi Khoza, and had approached the chairman about wanting to move on when he felt the time was right.

“I’ve always asked the chairman to leave the club because I felt like it was the right moment while I was feeling down,” Maswanganyi said.

He added that he believed a new challenge could help him rediscover his confidence, and that Bahrain presented the best opportunity at the time.

Since joining Al Khaldiya, the midfielder has been settling into his new surroundings and has featured in four matches in the AFC Champions League Two competition.

Beyond discussing his transfer, Maswanganyi also shared a message for footballers dealing with similar experiences. He encouraged them not to allow social media negativity to define their confidence or self-worth.

He observed that some people who post hurtful comments online may behave differently when they meet players in person, even asking to take photographs with them.

Maswanganyi advised his teammates to be patient with themselves and avoid allowing online criticism to overwhelm them.

Despite his departure, the former Pirates favourite recently returned to the Orlando Amstel Arena to watch his old team play, an experience he said he enjoyed.

His comments have brought renewed attention to the pressures professional footballers face beyond the pitch, particularly the personal toll of persistent online abuse.

Source: https://x.com/sabc_sport/status/2120163779711205648?s=46