Collective Progress Outweighs Personal Ambition For Shandu
Orlando Pirates may be riding a wave of praise and momentum—complete with silverware—but right-back Bandile Shandu insists the squad remains focused and grounded.
The Sea Robbers currently occupy second place on the Betway Premiership log and are gearing up for the Carling Knockout final against Marumo Gallants at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on 6 December. Victory would secure their second trophy of the season, following their MTN8 triumph in September.
“The support that we have been getting from the coaches, technical staff, and from the management as well, just to keep us grounded because we know our targets, we know what we want to achieve,” said Shandu.
“It is nice also to receive that, as well, the love that we are getting. Seeing the Buccaneers happy plays a huge role for us, and it makes us happy as well. We have got the technical team, the management, we have got everyone backing us as players to be grounded and know what we are fighting for, and carry on being focused.”
Shandu, who joined Orlando Pirates in 2021, has made four out of a possible 18 appearances this season, with stiff competition from the likes of Thabiso Lebitso, Deano Van Rooyen, and Siyabonga Ndlozi in the right back position.
The former Maritzburg United player also emphasized the importance of the team’s progress over his personal progression.
“For me, the team comes first. I am happy with the way the team is doing, as a collective, as a unit, we are all doing well. It’s been a great couple of games that we have played, and that is very important for me,” added Shandu.
The 30-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of the 2025-26 campaign, will be hoping to climb the pecking order at the Soweto giants so that he can display his abilities to his current employers or any potential suitors.
