Makhaula focused on guiding Pirates’ youngsters ahead of MTN8 final

Orlando Pirates midfielder Makhehleni “Khash” Makhaula is using his experience to help the club’s younger players prepare for Saturday’s MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns.

The match will be played at Moses Mabhida Stadium, with Pirates targeting a record-extending fifth consecutive Wafa-Wafa title. Makhaula, who joined the club from AmaZulu and is now in his fourth season with the Buccaneers, says his most important role is helping his inexperienced team-mates handle the occasion.

“It’s all about giving some wisdom to the new and younger players just so that they can calm down because I know it’s a big match,” Makhaula said.

“They just need to approach it like any other game although it will be against Sundowns. They just need to go out there and enjoy themselves then everything will be fine.”

Makhaula has already won every trophy available in the Premier Soccer League, but remains determined to add to his collection with Pirates. His continued involvement comes after he appeared to suggest towards the end of last season that he might retire once the club secured its first league title in 14 years.

The former Free State Stars midfielder has since changed his position after being persuaded by the chairman to remain at the club.

“I think I still have the legs to carry on and I thank the Chairman for giving me another opportunity and I’m grateful for that,” he said.

“I have achieved everything I wanted to achieve but I want to win a few more trophies with this great team and hopefully we will get them.”

Competition for places in midfield

Makhaula faces strong competition for a place in the Pirates central midfield, where there are about six key players competing for selection.

Thapelo Mokobodi, Cemran Dansin, Simphiwe Selepe, Masindi Nemtajela and Mthetheleli Mthiyane have taken on greater responsibility during the opening two months of the season. Bafana Bafana midfielder Thalente Mbatha was also still recovering from an injury during that period.

Despite the changes in personnel and the challenge posed by Sundowns, Makhaula says Pirates have no intention of easing their pursuit of silverware.

Sundowns arrive as African champions and FIFA African Asian Pacific champions, adding to the significance of the final for a relatively young Pirates side.

Makhaula believes defending the Wafa-Wafa title against the Brazilians would send an important message about the team’s ambitions and establish the right platform for the rest of the season.