Prosport International football agent Mike Makaab has issued a major update on Bandile Shandu’s future at Betway Premiership side Orlando Pirates.
The experienced defender has been frozen out of the matchday squad at Pirates under the leadership of head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. Shandu has faced stiff competition from players such as Kamogelo Sebelebele, Deano Van Rooyen, and Thabiso Lebitso in the right back position.
In recent matches, Ouaddou has preferred Sebelebele at the right wing-back position, and the former TS Galaxy star has taken the opportunity with both hands. The utility player has contributed immensely to Pirates’ defence that only conceded 12 goals in the league, while also making an impact in attack.
As a result of his competitors performing well, Shandu has struggled to break into the starting line-up at the Soweto giants. In the current campaign, the former Maritzburg United defender has only managed four games under his belt.
BANDILE SHANDU SET TO LEAVE PIRATES
His agent has addressed the situation at Pirates and revealed that Shandu is unlikely to remain at the club beyond the 2025/26 season. The 31-year-old is in the final months of his contract, which is set to expire in June 2026, and Pirates management has not shown any intention to retain his services.
“Bandile Shandu, as you know, his contract is coming to an end at the end of the season, and he hasn’t been playing,” Makaab exclusively told FARPost. “So, I can tell you that Shandu is unlikely to stay with Pirates when his contract comes to an end, and we are looking for other opportunities.”
Shandu has been with Sea Robbers for five seasons, having signed with the club in July 2021 from Maritzburg United, which is now known as Durban City FC.
The KZN-born defender has amassed over 100 matches for Pirates, scoring 11 goals, and chipping in with five assists. He also won a handful of domestic trophies, which include four successive MTN8 titles.
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