Orlando Pirates defender Bandile Shandu has stirred the pot regarding his future at the club, providing a bizarre response when questioned about his current contract situation at the Soweto giants.
Shandu’s future at Pirates has become a subject of intense speculation following a significant reduction in his minutes under head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. The Moroccan tactician took the reins at the Buccaneers at the start of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season. His arrival followed a successful six-month stint with Bloemfontein-based Marumo Gallants.
Under the new technical team in the post-Jose Riveiro era, Shandu has found himself sidelined. The right-back responsibilities have instead been shared between Thabiso Lebitso, Deano Van Rooyen, and Kamogelo Sebelebele—all of whom have flourished under Ouaddou’s system.
The preference for Lebitso, Van Rooyen and Sebelebele has been justified by the club’s trophy haul this season. The duo played pivotal roles in Pirates securing both the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout Cup titles in the first half of the campaign.
Beyond cup success, the Buccaneers are mounting a serious challenge to Mamelodi Sundowns’ dominance as they look to end a league title drought dating back to 2012.
Pirates currently sit at the summit of the Betway Premiership table, boasting 44 points from 19 matches. Their impressive run includes 14 wins, two draws, and only three defeats as the title race enters its final stretch.
SHANDU’S CONTRACT IS EXPIRING IN JUNE 2026
Meanwhile, Shandu has only managed to feature in four appearances across all competitions for Pirates. The 31-year-old is in the last three months of his contract at the club, which is set to expire in June 2026.
The talented wing-back has been with Pirates since 2021 after signing from Maritzburg United on a long-term deal. Having entered into the last few months of his contract, Shandu is facing a bleak future at Pirates, with the club yet to open talks for a new deal.
“His agent, Mike Makaab, previously told FARPost that while they are open to hearing the club’s stance on Shandu’s future, they have already begun exploring other options for the KZN-born defender.
“Despite a lack of minutes that has fueled intense speculation over his future at Pirates, Shandu claims to be in the dark regarding a potential exit.
‘I don’t know anything about that; it’s the first I’m hearing of it,’ Shandu said, downplaying reports of an uncertain future.”
RELATED STORY: Mike Makaab comments on Bandile Shandu’s future at Pirates