In a team blessed with midfield firepower, Orlando Pirates’ new recruit Bandile Shandu has revealed how he thinks he can fit in at the Buccaneers.
In a team blessed with midfield firepower, Orlando Pirates’ new recruit Bandile Shandu has revealed how he thinks he can fit in at the Buccaneers.
Last week the Soweto giants announced that they had signed Shandu along with the likes of Goodman Mosele, Monnapule Saleng and Kwanda Mngonyama ahead of the new season.
Shandu, 26, who was roped in from Maritzburg United on a three-year deal will have his work cut out for him at his new employers.
A quick glance at the list of central midfielders at coach Josef Zinnbauer’s disposal leaves very little room for the illusion that he will walk into the Pirates starting XI.
But in his first interview since signing with the club, the Pietermaritzburg-born star, who is a seasoned campaigner in the top-flight has revealed how he will fit in at the club.
“It’s difficult because of the quality that Orlando Pirates has, but I’ll keep doing what’s worked for me (until) this point,” Shandu told Pirates’ media department.
“I always strive to work hard, do the basics right, and follow the coach’s instructions. Basically, just try and add value and do whatever is required by the team to the best of my ability. So, I’m just willing to do that and contribute to the team’s cause, and make sure that we achieve a lot in the upcoming season,” he added.
Moleko’s initial contract expired on June 30 along with several of his teammates, some who have already also been either given longer extensions or similar short-term deals, which is required by law if a player is going to be on their books.
The Siya crew reported last week that the right back was believed to be on his way out at the club despite having previously worked with recently appointed coach Stuart Baxter during his first spell at Chiefs.
Moleko is just a month away from turning 32 and at that age the player would no doubt want more game-time than has been the case at Amakhosi – last season under then coach Gavin Hunt he made only 11 appearances in all competitions.
From what the Siya crew has been told by insiders, the former Bloemfontein Celtic star, who has been at Chiefs since 2012, is expected to leave the club soon after the Champions League final against Al Ahly this weekend in Morocco.
“I feel very proud to be part of a team that’s in the Champions League final,” Moleko was quoted telling the club’s media department this week.
“We are all together in this because even those players (who) had personal family issues or were injured are all here. We are determined to work hard when we go up against Al Ahly to make the team proud.”
This massive encounter on Saturday could very well be his last in Chiefs colours.
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