Bandile Shandu mum on Orlando Pirates future | OneFootball

Interview

Shandu keeps cards close to chest on Bucs future

Photo: Bandile Shandu

Orlando Pirates defender Bandile Shandu was tight-lipped when quizzed about his uncertain future, with his deal set to expire at the end of the season.

The right-back signed for the Soweto giants on a free transfer from Maritzburg United (now Durban City) in July 2021, and went on to make 110 appearances with 11 goals and five assists.

Shandu, however, has endured an injury-ravaged spell in recent seasons, which saw him fall down the pecking order, with Deano Van Rooyen and Thabiso Lebitso preferred ahead of him.

The 31-year-old has played four matches across all competitions this season - two in the MTN8 and the other two in the league at the beginning of the Betway Premiership campaign in August 2025.

When pressed about his future that hangs in the balance, Shandu was mum, stating, “I don't know anything about that. It's my first time hearing about it.”

Meanwhile, Pirates will lock horns with fierce rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto derby at a sold-out FNB Stadium on Saturday.

The Buccaneers head into the match sitting second, level on 38 points with log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, while the Glamour Boys are in fourth place as they amassed 30 points.

Abdeslam Ouaddou will be eager to secure the bragging rights in his maiden derby, with Chiefs' last league victory over Pirates dating back to February 2023.