Tito Maswanganyi opens up on Orlando Pirates departure - EWN

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder and fan favourite Patrick "Tito" Maswanganyi has revealed that his decision to leave the Soweto giants was driven by a desire to regain his confidence, find peace and protect his family from the pressure surrounding his football career.

Maswanganyi was spotted in the stands alongside the Orlando Pirates players during their recent Carling Black Label Cup clash against Sekhukhune United.

Unlike the Pirates players, who were dressed in their club tracksuits, Maswanganyi was in casual clothing and sat among the team, prompting plenty of discussion among football supporters about his current relationship with the club.

Speaking to SAFJA (South African Football Journalists Association), Tito opened up about the circumstances surrounding his departure from Pirates.

The midfielder said he had lengthy discussions with the club’s chairman before eventually requesting permission to leave.

“I asked the chairman for me to leave the club because I felt like it was the right moment for me to leave. And we spoke about it for a very long time about me leaving the club.”