Makhaula backs Orlando Pirates to extend MTN8 dominance against Sundowns

Makhehlene Makhaula believes Orlando Pirates’ experienced players can guide a young squad to victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final at a sold-out Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday (6pm).

The 36-year-old midfielder, a veteran of domestic trophy successes and league football, expects Pirates to claim a fifth successive MTN8 title.

“I am sensing a win because the guys have really showed up with the work rate. I am sensing us lifting the trophy,” said Makhaula.

Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is counting on the club’s senior players to help several less experienced members of his squad handle the pressure of the high-profile final. Those players include Nkosikhona Ndaba, Sbangani Zulu, Thapelo Mokobodi, Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Simphiwe Selepe, Kabelo Kgositsile and Simphiwe Masilela.

Makhaula has not played since the beginning of the season, but remains one of the influential figures in the dressing room and has a role in preparing the younger players for the occasion.

Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, defenders Nkosinathi Sibisi, Tapelo Xoki and Deon Hotto, and midfielders Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis and Kabelo Dlamini are among the other experienced players expected to provide leadership.

Pirates’ squad has changed since last season’s MTN8 success, but Makhaula says new arrivals have quickly learned the club’s expectation that every campaign should end with silverware.

“The management knows how to recruit the right players. With the right senior players and mentality, we are able to help the new guys by showing them what this badge means,” he said.

“Our slogan is to win everything. We want to win every game and the good thing is that the new guys are hungry. They come from different clubs, and luck was not there but here there is always luck. You just have to work hard and everything will follow.”

The MTN8 is only one of Pirates’ targets this season. Ouaddou faces the challenge of matching the club’s achievements last campaign, when his first season in charge brought a first treble and a first Betway Premiership title since their second successive treble in 2011/12.

Makhaula believes the size and experience of the current squad should help Pirates compete across all competitions.

“We have a big squad and you can see we are always competing. Some of us haven’t played and we are waiting for a chance,” he said.

“I think [having a big squad] is going to help us, given our schedule is a bit busy. I think we can manage that with the squad we have and the experience we have.”

Makhaula also revealed he had been close to ending his professional career after Pirates won the league last season. However, chair Irvin Khoza persuaded him to stay for another year.

“All thanks to my chairman who said, ‘You still have the legs,’ and asked me to go one more season. It is really exciting to go to another final with a different group of players and hopefully we will win it.”

Sundowns arrive with confidence after beating Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli to win the Fifa Intercontinental Cup last month. They also won their second Caf Champions League title, having previously lifted the trophy in 2016, after Pirates ended their eight-season Premiership title run last season.

Sundowns manager Miguel Cardoso can call on experienced internationals including Ronwen Williams, Thapelo Morena, Grant Kekana, Marcelo Allende, Tashreeq Matthews, Nuno Santos, Themba Zwane, Brayan Leon and Arthur Sales.

Aubrey Modiba, Teboho Mokoena and Bathusi Aubaas suffered knocks while on national duty with Bafana Bafana last week, and their availability for the final remains uncertain.