Pirates Yet to Decide Shandu’s Future as Contract Talks Near Crucial Stage
Orlando Pirates are expected to provide clarity on Bandile Shandu’s future early next week, with the midfielder’s camp awaiting a decisive indication on whether the club plans to extend his stay beyond the current season. According to a report by Soccer Laduma, discussions or feedback from the Buccaneers could come as soon as Monday, potentially shaping the next phase of the player’s career.
Shandu’s contract with the Soweto giants is set to expire at the end of the season, and Pirates have yet to formally communicate their intentions regarding a renewal. With limited game time so far in the current campaign, uncertainty continues to surround the 30-year-old’s role at the club heading into the final months of his deal.
His agent, Mike Makaab, stressed the importance of receiving early clarity, explaining that it would allow the player and his representatives to plan appropriately should Pirates decide against offering a new contract.
“I am hoping to have some sort of answer on Monday, as to whether they are interested in a new deal. It’s important (to know if Pirates will keep him),” Makaab told Soccer Laduma.
Orlando Pirates right-back Bandile Shandu (Image: X/ Orlando Pirates)
As matters stand, Shandu is eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement with any interested club, a factor that adds urgency to the situation. The former Maritzburg United player has featured just four times in all competitions this season, with Thabiso Lebitso and Deano van Rooyen currently ahead of him in the pecking order. That depth chart makes a significant increase in minutes between now and the end of the campaign far from guaranteed.
Soccer Laduma further reports that there would be no shortage of interest in Shandu should Pirates opt not to renew his contract, suggesting that the defender could still be viewed as a valuable acquisition elsewhere in the Premiership.
By way of background, Shandu officially joined Orlando Pirates in July 2021 on a three-year contract. His arrival was announced alongside Goodman Mosele, Monnapule Saleng and Kwanda Mngonyama, marking a major squad refresh at the time. The move represented his first transfer to another professional club after spending his entire senior career at Maritzburg United.
Known for his versatility, Shandu is capable of operating both as a right-back and on the right side of midfield, a trait that initially made him an appealing option for Pirates as they sought squad depth across multiple positions.
With the January period progressing and Shandu’s contract clock ticking down, the coming days are likely to be pivotal. Whether Pirates see a continued role for him or allow the situation to move towards a natural conclusion could soon become clear, potentially opening the door to the next chapter of his professional journey.