Makhaula agrees to extend Pirates career after Khoza’s ‘one more’ plea

Makhehleni Makhaula has signed a new one-year contract with Orlando Pirates after chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza persuaded the veteran midfielder to postpone his retirement.

The 36-year-old had planned to end his playing career once he had helped Pirates win the Betway Premiership, setting the league title as the condition for walking away from football.

That target was achieved last season, when the Buccaneers completed a memorable treble under coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. With Makhaula having fulfilled his personal ambition, it had appeared likely that he would retire.

Instead, he agreed to remain at Orlando Pirates until June 2027, giving him another chance to compete for major honours with the club.

Makhaula explained that a conversation with Khoza played a decisive role in changing his plans. Speaking at Pirates’ MTN8 Media Day at Rand Stadium on Monday, he said the chairman encouraged him to continue for another season.

“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 is now preparing for another final, although he acknowledged that the squad has changed since Pirates’ success last season.

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

Makhaula has an opportunity to add to his medal collection when Orlando Pirates meet Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, October 10.

The match will be another test of his continued value to the side. His playing time has been limited so far this season, but he remains determined to compete for a place in Ouaddou’s squad and demonstrate that he can still make an impact at the highest level.

That resolve also gives Makhaula the chance to justify Khoza’s belief that he has enough left in his legs to continue.

The MTN8 final kicks off at 18:00.