Makhaula postpones retirement after Pirates chairman’s intervention

Makhehleni Makhaula has delayed his retirement after Orlando Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza persuaded the veteran midfielder to continue playing for the club.

Makhaula, 36, had said several months before Pirates secured their first league title in 14 years last season that he would end his career if they became champions.

However, after the Buccaneers lifted the trophy, Makhaula remains determined to add to his medal collection. He is targeting the MTN8 next, with Pirates due to face Mamelodi Sundowns in the final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday at 6pm.

“It’s different story now. I still have the legs and thanks to the chair [Irvin Khoza] for giving me another opportunity. He said ‘I still need you’ and here I am. I am grateful for that opportunity,” Makhaula told Sowetan on Monday.

“I can still run, so we will see. I have achieved everything I wanted to achieve here at Pirates but I’d like to add a few more trophies, starting with the MTN8 on Saturday, before I call it quits.”

Makhaula has recently returned from a long-term injury but has yet to play this season. In his absence, several new arrivals have impressed in midfield, including Thapelo Mokobodi and Mthetheleli Mthiyane.

The former AmaZulu captain said he had been impressed by how quickly the newcomers had settled at the Sea Robbers. Their performances have also changed expectations about how long it would take them to adjust to the club.

“The new players have shown maturity and they’ve adapted quickly. We obviously thought it would take most of them time to adapt, but they’ve hit the ground running,” he said.

Makhaula believes victory in Saturday’s final would be particularly valuable for the new recruits, while also providing Pirates with an early platform for the rest of the campaign.

“Winning this upcoming final would be good for the new players, and also set the tone for the rest of the season and show our rivals we are able to defend our cups.”

Although he is waiting for his opportunity to return to the team, Makhaula has embraced a mentoring role within a young Pirates squad.

“We have a very young team, so for me now is to mentor the youngsters. I have to wait for my time to come, but I have always told them ‘you guys must be the ones playing now. I am here to guide you’. So far so good.”

Makhaula says he has already achieved everything he wanted at Pirates, but the possibility of further silverware has given him another reason to continue.