View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Soccer Laduma (@soccer_laduma)

Login

'Tito Is Ready For Europe'

'Tito Is Ready For Europe'

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - NOVEMBER 19: Patrick Maswanganyi of South Africa celebrate after scoring a goal during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Qualifier match between South Africa and South Sudan at DHL Stadium on November 19, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)

Orlando Pirates attacking midfielder Patrick "Tito" Maswanganyi is believed to be keen on returning to Europe, according to insiders privy to information. 

Soccer Luduma has already reported how his former club, Oliveirense want Maswanganyi to return to their club, and then there could be other suitors around Europe too.

READ: Would Chiefs Go For Appollis, Or Mokwana If He Was 'Free'?

One wonders if Tito would want to leave a top club in the South African PSL for a second division team in Portugal. The Siya crew discussed his potential price tag for Oliveirense or a top flight club in one of Europe's best leagues

Farouk Khan, his mentor at Stars of Africa Academy, believes the timing is perfect for Maswanganyi to make the leap back to European football, whether in Portugal or another country.

In an exclusive conversation with the Siya crew, Khan expressed his thoughts on the player's journey.

"I can tell you now Tito is ready for Europe. Even himself as a player, he really wants to play there. You know if Pirates can allow him to go then it won't benefit only Pirates from the sale but also the player himself and the country. He could have stayed longer in Portugal but he was impatient that time," Khan told Soccer Laduma.

Of course, Tito is contracted to Bucs and would be dedicated to the PSL club's objectives this season first, be that with the Premiership title and the Caf Champions League. Maswanganyi would be thinking of the next step after South African football.

"You know many players from Brazil , Argentina and most other African countries use Portugal as a springboard to bigger leagues in Europe and he could have been patient then things could have worked out for him that time. But nothing is lost. He can still go now and make it big. He is ready for Europe," Khan added.

However, Khan expressed some disappointment over the lack of financial return from developing Maswanganyi, despite investing significantly in his growth.

READ: Ntseki Lands New PSL Role

"If I can be honest with you, we spent close to R500 000 on Tito from development and even sending him to Portugal. You know since the team didn't know him at that time, we had to pay for transport, accommodation and even food and other things. But when he joined Orlando Pirates from SuperSport United we got nothing. I am not complaining but I am just letting you know that there should be a way to compensate the academies which develop players.

"I don't know if I can get something from Pirates if he moves back to Europe now? But as Stars of Africa we are happy to see Tito becoming the player that he is now because we worked with him for many years.

"You see the goals he scored for the national team? He used to score those goals week in, week out for the Academy and I am not surprised he is doing that now. And as I have said, he is ready to go back to Europe now," Khan concluded.

As Maswanganyi could be closer to a potential return to European football in future, any move abroad highlights the significant role academies play in shaping future stars. With his growing reputation and readiness, observers are eager to see how this situation unfolds, potentially setting up Maswanganyi, one day, for greater heights in Europe.

Comments

Top 5

Top 10 Confirmed PSL Free Agents

Jul 02, 2025 08:28 AM in Premiership

In Images: New Faces Spotted At Chiefs!

Jul 02, 2025 10:29 AM in Kaizer-Chiefs

How Pirates Could Line Up With New Signings

Jul 04, 2025 08:41 AM in Orlando-Pirates

Who Could Be Next? 10 Pirates Stars Facing Uncertain Futures

Jul 02, 2025 03:56 PM in Orlando-Pirates

Sundowns Prepared To Break Record For New Signing?

Jul 04, 2025 02:59 PM in Mamelodi-Sundowns

How Chiefs Got Monyane After Nearly Signing Mabuza

Jul 04, 2025 10:11 AM in Kaizer-Chiefs

Pirates Midfielder Not Short Of Suitors

Jul 04, 2025 12:36 PM in Orlando-Pirates

Margeman Confirms Exit Amid SuperSport Sale

Jul 04, 2025 11:17 AM in Siyagobhoza

Tau's Former Club 'Keen' To Land Ribeiro

Jul 04, 2025 12:13 PM in Middle-East

Former Players Bid SuperSport United Farewell

Jul 04, 2025 11:36 AM in Fan Park