Mike Makaab provides update on Bandile Shandu’s future at Orlando Pirates
Prosport International CEO Mike Makaab has provided clarity on the future of Bandile Shandu at Orlando Pirates.
The wing-back missed the most part of the 2023/24 DStv Premiership season after sustaining a serious injury setback.
Shandu is in his third season with the Buccaneers, having signed for the Soweto giants from the now-Motsepe Foundation Championship side Maritzburg United in 2021.
In the just-concluded campaign, Shandu made 16 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals and making one assist.
While Shandu has been nursing an injury, Thabiso Monyane and Thabiso Lebitso shared the responsibilities at the right-back position. Lebitso joined Pirates from Chippa United during the January transfer window, and he has played 11 matches, while Monyane has 31 games under his belt.
Various media outlets have claimed that Shandu has parted ways with the Soweto giants and he’s free to join any club of his choice.
WHAT DID MIKE MAKAAB SAY ABOUT ABOUT SHANDU?
Top agent Mike Makaab has clarified his client’s future, revealing that the 29-year-old defender has a contract at the Pirates that runs until 2026.
“Bandile Shandu has a contract at Orlando Pirates which will only expire on the 30th of June 2026,” Makaab told FARPost.
In addition, Pirates have already released Cameroonian striker Souaibou Marou and attacking midfielder Fortune Makaringe. Both players struggled to break into the Buccaneers starting lineup under the guidance of head coach Jose Riveiro.
Marou joined Pirates in January 2023 from Coton Sport, and he’s leaving the club without opening his scoring account. On the other hand, Makaringe spent five seasons with the Ghosts, making 147 appearances and scoring 10 goals.
The 2023/24 season Nedbank Cup and MTN8 champions. Pirates are expected to make more changes to their squad in the off-season, and more players are rumoured to be heading to the exit door.
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