Patrick “Tito” Maswanganyi’s manager, Arnold Rankoko, has dismissed reports claiming that the midfielder has parted ways with Bahraini club Al-Khaldiya SC, describing the speculation as fabricated and damaging to the player’s reputation.

Rumours circulated on social media over the weekend suggesting that Maswanganyi had mutually terminated his contract following alleged disciplinary issues. However, Rankoko, speaking to KickOff on Monday, insisted that the player had neither been dismissed nor resigned.

According to Rankoko, Maswanganyi was preparing for Al-Khaldiya’s upcoming match on Wednesday, with photographs of the midfielder reportedly available on the club’s social media platforms.

The manager alleged that certain individuals were deliberately portraying Maswanganyi negatively and criticised those who circulated the claims without first contacting the player, club or his representatives for confirmation.

Rankoko also defended the midfielder’s reserved personality, comparing him to Michael Olise and explaining that quietness should not be mistaken for arrogance or misconduct. He cited former South African footballers Doctor Khumalo and Brian Baloyi as examples of players whose personalities were sometimes misunderstood.

He further suggested that persistent negative reports contributed to Maswanganyi’s decision to leave South Africa.

On the field, Rankoko said the midfielder had featured in all eight matches since joining Al-Khaldiya and recorded two assists.

Al-Khaldiya, reportedly second in the Bahraini Premier League after six matches, are scheduled to face Al Wahda on Wednesday at 8:15 pm South African time. Maswanganyi’s availability for the fixture could provide further clarity regarding his current situation at the club.

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