TEAM OF CHOICE BID FOND FAREWELL TO SHANDU
02 July 2021
Maritzburg United and midfielder Bandile Shandu have brought to an end a fruitful nine-year relationship after the player opted not to renew his contract at the Harry Gwala Stadium.
The 26-year-old, who has been with the Team of Choice since 2012/13, was the longest-serving player at the club.
He debuted for United in a KwaZulu-Natal derby against AmaZulu in February 2013.
In that match, a 0-0 stalemate, he came on for David Booysens at half time. Also in the Maritzburg side that day was Peter Petersen, now MDC coach.
At that stage Shandu was still a pupil at Maritzburg College and he grabbed the opportunity with both hands, steadily getting more game-time season by season.
In total he played 162 league and cup matches for the capital club, accumulating more than 10,000 minutes of game-time.
The versatile player has now decided to start a new chapter in his career, and United chairman Farook Kadodia has paid tribute to the Pietermaritzburg-born midfielder.
"It is with a sense of sadness that we say goodbye to Bandile. But we realise it was time for him to spread his wings and experience new things in his football career as he moves on to greener pastures in Gauteng," Kadodia said.
"We thank Bandile sincerely for the loyal, unwavering service he has given our football club over many years.
"To have local youngsters rise through the ranks and establish a career for themselves in the PSL is a big part of Maritzburg United Football Club are about and it's been with great pride that we have watched Bandile develop into a fine footballer, a consummate professional, and a wonderful young man.
"He is a true inspiration for young footballers in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands and we wish him all the very best for the years ahead,” the Chairman concluded.
* Please keep an eye on our website and social media platforms (see links below the photo gallery) for more team news during the off-season period *
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