FORMER Orlando Pirates defender, Bandile Shandu, is one of the players expected to be introduced soon by Durban City who recently spent nine as it prepares for the start of the upcoming 2026/2027 season.
Yesterday, City issued a statement confirming the nine players they have released, including five whose contracts have not been renewed, and four who have returned to the teams they were loaned to.
Among those whose contracts have not been renewed are Joslin Kamatuka, Falakhe Tshanini, Odwa Nyulu, Onele Rulwana and Lindokuhle Chonco.
Taahir Goedeman and Siphiwe Mahlangu returned to Sekhukhune United, Ronaldo Maarman returned to Cape Town City and Terrence Mashego returned to Mamelodi Sundowns.
Among the players who are being evaluated by this team and who may get contracts, include goalkeeper Mlondi Mbanjwa and defender Cohen Stander.
Shandu (31) from Smero, Edendale, Pietermaritzburg, it appears that he has signed for City. His joining this team is like returning home for him, since he started playing professional football in the 2012/2013 season while still calling himself Maritzburg United.
He left for the 2021/2022 season and joined Pirates where he played for five seasons and won titles with him. However, he found himself out of the jersey for the past two seasons due to injuries.
This player who knocks on the right back, crosses paths with Emmanuel Jalai who plays the same position as him, as it turns out that he is on loan from the Zimbabwean team, Scotland FC.
Jalai was signed by City in January from Dynamos of Zimbabwe, replacing Katlego Maphathe who joined Upington City playing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
Apart from Shandu, the Citizens are expected to introduce Tashreeq Morris, a striker from Kaizer Chiefs.
The strengthening of the Citizens squad with experienced players like Shandu and Morris, is an indication of its development to host the Caf Confederation Cup next season.