Top defender to leave Pirates after making more than 100 appearances?

As the 2025/26 Premier Soccer League season nears a critical stage, some players are working on their futures with their respective clubs.

Bandile Shandu is among those players; the 31-year-old has struggled to get regular game time at Orlando Pirates. The Soweto giants have done exceptionally well in the top-tier where they are chasing the Premier Soccer League alongside the defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs.

However, the 31-year-old has made just four appearances across all competitions for coach Abdeslam Ouaddou-led men.

This is because his competitors as well as compatriots Deano van Rooyen, Thabiso Lebitso, and Kamogelo Sebelebele have been doing better.

Shandu’s current deal with the Buccaneers concludes in June 2026, but Bucs haven’t opened talks to extend it.

Makaab opens up on Shandu’s future

Since joining the team in 2021 from Maritzbug United, Shandu has featured more than 100 times for the club. Mike Makaab, who is the player’s representative, has now opened up about teh defender’s current situation with the Sea Robbers.

“Bandile Shandu is contracted to Orlando Pirates, and for us it is just to wait for the club to make a decision on the player. In this situation, they have the first preference,” he told FARPost.

“We are open to any decision from Pirates, and should they opt against renewing the contract in the coming months, we’ll be left with no choice but to look for other options for Shandu,” the respected agent added.

At 31, Shandu has a couple of years to play in the top-tier before hanging up his boots, explaining why his next deal will be vital.