With the January transfer window now open, Prosport International CEO Mike Makaab has revealed Orlando Pirates’ stance on the future of Bandile Shandu.
The 29-year-old Shandu has battled persistent injuries at Pirates, which has resulted in his limited time on the pitch.
Shandu is yet to feature for The Buccaneers in the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season after recently making a return from an injury setback.
In the absence of Shandu, Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has used Thabiso Monyane and Deano Van Rooyen in the right-back position.
Shandu joined Pirates in 2021 from Maritzburg United [now known as Durban City FC]. Since his arrival, the defender, who can also play as a midfielder featured in 87 appearances for The Ghosts and scored nine goals.
In light of his recent struggles at the Soweto giants, a few media houses have reported that Shandu could be on his way out of Pirates either on loan or a permanent move.
WHAT DID MIKE MAKAAB SAY ABOUT BANDILE SHANDU’S FUTURE AT PIRATES?
His agent, Mike Makaab, has refuted the reports linking his client with a move away from Orlando Pirates, revealing that Shandu is still in the future plans of Pirates. The latter has a contract at Bucs running until 30 June 2026.
“Well I can tell you that it has not been discussed with me that Bandile Shandu is not the plans at Pirates going forward,” Makaab told FARPost.
“In fact when I had a meeting with Pirates over a week ago, they told me that Shandu is part of the plans going forward. He was just troubled by injuries, but now he’s back in full training.”
The KZN-born defender will be looking to return to the Pirates matchday squad in 2025, as matches are coming thick and fast.
Pirates are competing for the Betway Premiership title, CAF Champions League and Nedbank Cup, which is set to start in the coming weeks.
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