Prosport International agent Mike Makaab has commented on the future of Bandile Shandu at Orlando Pirates, whose contract at the club enters its final four months.
Shandu’s existing contract with Pirates expires at the end of June 2026, and his future will be decided in the next few months. The talented defender has struggled for regular game-time at the Soweto giants in the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season under the guidance of head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
The defender faces stiff competition for a starting berth against the likes of Deano Van Rooyen, Thabiso Lebitso, and the versatile Kamogelo Sebelebele, who can also operate as a winger. The 31-year-old has been limited to just four appearances across all competitions this season, as Lebitso and Van Rooyen have largely dominated the right wing-back duties.
This comes amidst a stellar campaign for the Buccaneers, who have already secured the MTN8 and Carling Knockout Cup titles. The Sea Robbers are now eyeing a domestic treble as they look to dethrone Mamelodi Sundowns, the record-holders of eight consecutive league titles.
Currently, Pirates sit at the summit of the Premiership table with 38 points from 17 matches, holding a three-point lead over second-placed Sundowns, who have a game in hand. In addition, Bucs are eight points ahead of fourth-placed Kaizer Chiefs, who have played two games fewer.
WHAT MIKE MAKAAB SAID ABOUT BANDILE SHANDU’S FUTURE AT PIRATES
With Pirates expected to make decisions on the future of a handful of first-team players at the end of the season, Shandu is also facing an uncertain future at the club. The Buccaneers have yet to open talks with the KZN-born utility player over a new contract.
And his agent, Mike Makaab, has told FARPost that they’d give Pirates sufficient time to decide on the future of Shandu; however, they’ll also look for options elsewhere.
“Bandile Shandu is contracted to Orlando Pirates, and for us it is just to wait for the club to make a decision on the player. In this situation, they have the first preference,” Makaab said.
“We are open to any decision from Pirates, and should they opt against renewing the contract in the coming months, we’ll be left with no choice but to look for other options for Shandu.”
Shandu has been with Pirates since July 2021, having signed from Maritzburg United on a three-year deal with an option to extend for a further two years. After his three-year deal expired, the Soweto giants exercised the two-year option on his contract, which runs through June 2026.
In his five-year spell with Pirates, Shandu has made over 100 appearances across all competitions, scoring 11 goals and providing five assists. He also won a handful of trophies with the club, including four successive MTN8 trophies.
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