Makhaula says Orlando Pirates chairman persuaded him to delay retirement

Orlando Pirates midfielder Makhehleni Makhaula has revealed that the club’s chairman convinced him to continue playing after last season, despite the 36-year-old having planned to retire.

Makhaula had intended to end his career if Pirates won the Betway Premiership, describing the league title as the biggest ambition of his career.

He was part of the Orlando Pirates side that lifted the trophy last season, bringing Mamelodi Sundowns’ dominance of the competition to an end.

However, the club chairman encouraged him to carry on for at least another season, insisting that he was still physically capable of competing at the highest level.

“First of all I would like to thank all of you ladies and gentlemen,” Makhaula said.

“Yeah, it was like that but all thanks to my chairman who said no, you still got the legs. Can you go one more maybe we’ll see. I said okay chairman.”

Makhaula is now preparing for another cup final and said he was particularly pleased to reach the decisive match with a squad containing many new players.

The experienced midfielder also believes Orlando Pirates can win the final and retain the trophy.

“It’s really exciting to go to another final with a different group,” he added.

“I’m sensing a win, I think the guys showed up, they were great. I would just say I’m sensing the win. I’m sensing us defending the trophy.”