Orlando Pirates News Today: Bucs Beat Downs to Star, Undergone Medical, Transfer Updates & More

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Orlando Pirates News Today: Bucs Beat Downs to Star, Undergone Medical, Transfer Updates & More
Photo - AF ZA

The latest from Orlando Pirates, in the last 24 hours, including Bandile Shandu set for KZN return, Abdeslam Ouaddou almost left Bucs, star set for Sea Robbers’ switch after medical, and more.

Shandu set for KZN return?

Bandile Shandu is on the verge of completing a return to KwaZulu-Natal after his exit from Orlando Pirates.

The Buccaneers confirmed the exit of the experienced right back recently, bringing an end to a four-year stay with the Soweto giants. Since his departure from Pirates, there has been no shortage of interest but Soccer Laduma has been informed that a deal with Durban City is moving towards completion.

“City have been interested in bringing the player back to the club. Shandu is no stranger to City, having been at the club when it was previously known as Maritzburg United. It’s understood that a deal for Shandu to join City could be completed as early as next week and he will be part of their pre-season preparations,” Soccer Laduma reported.

Bandile Shandu Orlando Pirates
Image – Pirates

“The club has qualified for the upcoming season’s CAF Confederation Cup, after winning the Nedbank Cup, and want to have the right type of experience in their squad to ensure they competition. Shandu would add valuable experience to the side after his time with the Buccaneers, who were involved in continental football while he was there.”

How Ouaddou almost left Pirates

Fresh information reaching the Siya crew indicates that Moroccan giants Raja CA considered Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou before ultimately appointing Nasreddine Nabi.

“Ouaddou’s name featured among the coaches discussed by Raja as the club evaluated its options following the end of last season,” Soccer Laduma reported.

“The interest never developed beyond that stage, with Raja eventually deciding to move in a different direction by appointing Nabi.

“Sources have maintained that the Moroccan believes the Buccaneers are capable of building on last season’s success after ending the club’s lengthy wait for the Betway Premiership title while also securing a domestic treble.

Abdeslam Ouaddou, Orlando Pirates
Abdeslam Ouaddou, Orlando Pirates. Image – Pirates

“He wants to continue what he has started at Pirates. Ouaddou remains fully committed to the Soweto giants, with the club preparing for another league title defence as well as a return to the CAF Champions League,” they added.

Pirates set to unveil another star?

Orlando Pirates are expected to officially unveil the signing of attacker Siyanda Ndlovu after he successfully completed his medical at the end of this week.

Ndlovu, 22, has been strongly linked with a move to the Buccaneers for some time after establishing himself as a key member of his club’s first team with a series of impressive performances.

Mamelodi Sundowns were also among the PSL clubs to table an offer for the highly rated attacker. 

Siyanda Ndlovu, Golden Arrows
Siyanda Ndlovu, Golden Arrows. Photo: Golden Arrows

Ndlovu is expected to join his new teammates in pre-season training alongside the club’s other new arrivals as Pirates continue preparations for the 2026/27 campaign.

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Willis Sob

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Willis Sob is a sports betting expert and journalist covering Nigeria and South Africa, with 16 years of experience. With a background in journalism, reporting and programme production, he specialises in football odds, and his work has appeared on OK Africa and GOAL, as well as TV, radio and podcasts.

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