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Pirates defender Bandile Shandu makes bold Bafana Bafana plea

Orlando Pirates defender Bandile Shandu has revealed his insatiable desire to be a regular in the Bafana Bafana squad.

The 27-year-old believes he has more to offer the Hugo Broos-coached side as they aim to qualify for the next Africa Cup of Nations.

Shandu made his Bafana Bafana debut in March against Guinea in an international friendly match, albeit as an 80th-minute substitute.

He earned two caps but has been overlooked by Broos in Bafana Bafana’s most recent games.

However, he has continued dreaming of regularly donning the gold and green jersey.

BANDILE SHANDU’S BAFANA BAFANA DREAM

“Starting last season, I wanted to be on the national team. That was my goal. I wanted to add value to the squad,” Shandu told FARPost

“I wanted to help where I can, where I’m needed, especially. And as a footballer, you are never satisfied with where you are.”

Bandile Shandu of Orlando Pirates during the club's media open day at Orlando Stadium
Bandile Shandu of Orlando Pirates during the club’s media open day at Orlando Stadium

For the Buccaneers, Shandu is aiming to improve from last season. The Maritzburg-born player believes he can use clubs’ performances as a stepping stone to better national team-level strides.

“I want to improve from last season. I want to add to assisting my teammates. I want to add in terms of goal contributions and defending. I want to do more than what I did last season.

“Just to continually improve, never settle because in football someone is working it’s either like you or harder than you.

“So you must never be satisfied and always work extremely hard. And yeah, I think that’s the most important thing: to improve from last season,” he said.

Shandu will have to shake off the challenge of Thabiso Monyane, who has been Jose Riveiro’s preferred right back this season.

RELATED STORY: Monyane reveals healthy rivalry with Shandu for Pirates right-back spot

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