Orlando Pirates could very well say goodbye to several experienced players at the end of the season.
Having already released Olisa Ndah, the Buccaneers could part ways with Tapelo Xoki in the coming weeks. The former AmaZulu captain has not featured at all this season due to an injury and with his contract expiring, it seems unlikely that he will get an extention.
Another player set to leave is right-back Bandile Shandu. He hasn’t featured much with Deano van Rooyen, Kamogelo Sebelebele and Thabiso Lebitso occupying the right-back position.
Orlando Pirates to part ways with Shandu
Shandu’s agent Mike Makaab also feels the defender could leave the club at the end of the season.
“Bandile Shandu, as you know, his contract is coming to an end at the end of the season, and he hasn’t been playing,” Makaab told FARPost.
“So, I can tell you that Shandu is unlikely to stay with Pirates when his contract comes to an end, and we are looking for other opportunities.”
Orlando Pirates qualify for CAF Champions League
The Buccaneers have qualified for the CAF Champions League next season after rivals Kaizer Chiefs lost to Siwelele midweek.
The Buccaneers entered this season’s CAF Champions League with high hopes but suffered an early exit, losing in the preliminary round to DR Congo outfit Saint Éloi Lupopo in a dramatic penalty shootout.
That disappointment marked a step backwards compared to the previous campaign, where the Sea Robbers reached the semi-finals before falling to eventual champions Pyramids FC.
Despite their continental setback, the 2025/26 season has still been largely positive for the Sea Robbers under head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
Orlando Pirates has already secured two domestic trophies, and a potential treble remains within reach if they win their remaining matches and Mamelodi Sundowns slip up.
Financially, Pirates have earned close to R20 million from their trophy successes so far however, the CAF Champions League prize, reportedly around R100 million, remains the ultimate target and could significantly boost the club’s finances.