Orlando Pirates news: Fan favourite to Portugal?
Portugal calling?
Orlando Pirates have several fan-favourite stars and plenty of them are attracting global admirers. Here’s the latest.
Orlando Pirates playmaker wanted in Europe
According to SoccerLaduma, Orlando Pirates playmaker Patrick Maswanganyi is a target for second-tier Portuguese side UD Oliveirense. A source revealed that Oliveirense initially expected the player to return to Portugal after his SuperSport United stint. However, he joined Pirates instead and the rest is history. The left-footer spent a year with Oliveirense between 2019 and 2020.
“Actually, he was supposed to go back to Portugal after his stay at SuperSport United, but instead, he was signed by Orlando Pirates. Now, Oliveirense is once again interested in him,” the source explained.
“Oliveirense are in Liga 2, which is the second division in Portugal. That would be a good move, but only if there is no possibility of another move to other leagues where he can play in the first division like the PSL here at home,” another source shared.
Maswanganyi calls the tune for the Sea Robbers
Orlando Pirates have become a well-drilled unit from front to back, specialising in winning big knockout matches on the grand stages. Now, they’re becoming even more than a cup team. With seven wins from seven in the league, a first Betway Premiership crown since 2012 could be beckoning. At the heart of it all is Bafana Bafana star Patrick Maswanganyi. The 26-year-old from Thembisa has experience in {Portugal with Oliveirense. He sparkled in the 2023-2024 season, pulling the strings behind Tshegofatso Mabasa and providing five goals and five assists in the league. The puzzle pieces around him might change from time to time, but Maswanganyi is always there.
Fixtures forthcoming
Meanwhile, Riveiro’s men have two league encounters to prepare for in the next two weeks and they’ve also got two tasty Caf Champions League clashes on the horizon. The visit of African champions Al Ahly on 06 December is one to get in the diary. There’s also the prospect of a meeting with Bafana and former Cape Town City striker Khanyisa Mayo when Pirates go North to face Belouizdad of Algeria.
- Belouizdad vs Pirates: Tue, 26 November, 21:00
- Pirates vs Stellenbosch: Sat, 30 November, 15:30
- Gallants vs Pirates: Tue, 03 December, 19:30
- Pirates vs Al Ahly: Fri, 06 December, kickoff time TBC
- Pirates vs Golden Arrows: Tue, 10 December, 19:30
Would you like to see Maswanganyi hone his craft with Oliveirense?
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