Orlando Pirates defender Bandile Shandu has explained the reason why youngsters find it easy to excel at the club, with the Soweto giants experiencing an influx of talented gems breaking into the first team and staking their claim.

In recent seasons under the Spanish mentor Jose Riveiro, the Sea Robbers have promoted the sensational Relebohile Mofokeng, who has since established himself as a starter in the team, in addition to Mohau Nkota and Mbekezeli Mbokazi amongst others.

While Mofokeng is already tipped for a big move abroad at the age of 20, Nkota has also delivered on the big stage in the CAF Champions League. Moreover, Mbokazi, who was the DDC captain, is showing promising signs after scoring his first professional goal on his second senior start.

Now, the 30-year-old experienced right-back has shed light on the factors behind the smooth integration of the starlets into the Spaniard’s plans, attributing the results to the unity in the Bucs camp.

“It’s being a collective, the camaraderie you can see it in the team from the beginning of the season. The brotherhood as well, I think it speaks for itself and you can see by how they [youngster] come into the team as well, fitting in like a glove,” said Shandu.

“So, I think we got that right in that perspective, and it shows in the way that we play and the way that they have come into the team as well.”

On the fierce competition in the right-back position, Shandu downplayed the possibility of a lack of game time, emphasizing teamwork towards the same target, with Deano Van Rooyen, Thabiso Monyane, and Thabiso Lebitso also vying for the same starting berth.

“My main focus is the team. I think we have the same mindset, everyone in the group. We are trying to improve as individuals and as a collective as well, so I think the main focus right now is to work towards one goal and get better,” added the ex-Maritzburg United player.

“For me, I’m a team player, so the team comes first in anything that I do. And the team’s ambitions and goals come first, more than anything. So, it’s to get closer to our goals and ambitions as a collective, as a team, and that’s the main purpose as a team.” 

The full-back, who’s been troubled with long-term injuries, is drawing positives from the injuries affecting the Buccaneers’ defense this season, stating that having top-class replacements in the wake of an injury shows the quality of players Riveiro has at his disposal.

“I think it shows the quality that we have as well, the quality we have as a team in terms of the guys that are injured and the guys that are playing – there’s no difference at all. So, it shows in that as well,” the former Maritzburg United defender continued.

Shandu will be hoping to add to his nine appearances he has so far made in the 2024/25 term as Pirates will jet off to lock horns with Algerian champions MC Algers in the CAF Champions League quarterfinals on Tuesday.