Orlando Pirates veteran Makhaula explains U-turn on retirement

Orlando Pirates veteran midfielder Makhehleni Makhaula has revealed how he was persuaded to abandon his plans to retire from professional football after helping the Soweto giants end their long wait for the Betway Premiership title.

Makhaula had indicated last season that he intended to call time on his career once he had helped Pirates achieve their long-awaited league triumph.

The experienced midfielder eventually played his part as Pirates secured the PSL title, ending more than eight years of frustration without the coveted league crown.

With that achievement accomplished, many expected Makhaula to walk away from the game at the end of the campaign.

Instead, the veteran midfielder surprised supporters by returning for another season in the famous black-and-white shirt.

Makhaula has now explained that a conversation with the Pirates chairman played a decisive role in changing his mind.

The chairman urged him to reconsider retirement and questioned whether he still had enough in his legs to continue competing at the highest level.

“Yeah, it was like that, but all thanks to my chairman who said, ‘Cash, you still got the legs, can you go for one more, and maybe we will see?’ I said, ‘Okay, chairman,’” Makhaula said.

The midfielder accepted the challenge and decided to extend his playing career, giving himself another opportunity to compete for trophies with Pirates.

His decision has already been rewarded with another major occasion, as Pirates prepare to face Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final on Saturday.

For Makhaula, the experience of reaching another final with a different group of players has provided fresh motivation after initially believing his career was coming to an end.

“It’s really exciting to go to another final, with a different group, and hopefully we will win it,” he added.

The veteran’s decision to remain at Pirates means he still has an opportunity to add to his achievements with the club.

Having already helped the Soweto giants reclaim the league title, Makhaula will now be hoping that his decision to postpone retirement can lead to another piece of silverware.

His story also highlights the influence of experience within the Pirates squad, with the midfielder continuing to offer his knowledge and leadership as the club competes on multiple fronts.

What appeared to be the final chapter of Makhaula’s career has therefore been extended, and the midfielder is embracing the opportunity to continue playing while he still feels capable of contributing at the highest level.