Orlando Pirates could part ways with several experienced players at the end of the season as the club looks to reshape its squad.
Among those facing uncertain futures are Bandile Shandu, Tapelo Xoki, Kabelo Dlamini and Tshegofatso Mabasa. Veteran midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula is also reportedly considering retirement once the campaign concludes.
Shandu’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, with his agent, Mike Makaab, previously confirming that discussions will be held with the Buccaneers regarding the defender’s future.
The 31-year-old right-back has spent five years with Orlando, making over 100 appearances during his time at the club. However, his game time has been limited this season under head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, raising further questions about his long-term role in the squad.
With several senior players potentially on their way out, Pirates could be gearing up for a significant rebuild ahead of next season.
“Bandile, his contract is expiring at the end of the season,” Makaab told iDiski Times.
Another Orlando Pirates player whose contract is coming to an end is right-back Thabiso Lebitso. He has entered the final months of his contract, making him eligible to negotiate with other clubs if a new deal is not finalised.
Reports say the club still view the defender as part of their long-term plans and has already initiated talks to extend his contract.
Orlando Pirates to sell Mofokeng
Relebohile has scored 10 goals across all competitions and is looking more likely to leave the club at the end of the season.
Following his brace against Golden Arrows midweek, his coach Abdeslam Ouaddou said the 21-year-old attacker was one in a one-in-a-generation player.
“These kinds of players, you get players like that every 10 or 15 years,” Ouaddou said as quoted by SABC Sports.
“So, he has talent, it is in his blood, he’s still young, of course, we need to give him some instruction in order to be even more efficient.
“Especially in that area where there are lots of duels, it’s crowded, so for us as coaches, the talent he has, technical quality he has, the intelligence he has, but sometimes when you have such quality like that, sometimes you abuse these qualities,” the Orlando Pirates coach added.
