Makhaula delays retirement as Orlando Pirates target more silverware

A planned retirement has been put on hold for Orlando Pirates midfielder Makhehleni Makhaula, who now hopes to help the club win further trophies after their league success last season.

Makhaula, 36, had said he would end his playing career if Pirates secured their first league title in 14 years. The Buccaneers went on to lift the championship, but the veteran remains determined to continue, beginning with Saturday’s MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium (18:00).

“It’s a different story now. I still have the legs and thanks to the chair [Irvin Khoza] for giving me another opportunity,” Makhaula said on Monday.

“He said ‘I still need you’ and here I am. I am grateful for that opportunity. 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 not yet played this season after returning from a long-term injury. During his absence, several new players, including Thapelo Mokobodi and Mthetheleli Mthiyane, have performed well in midfield.

The former AmaZulu captain said he had been impressed by how quickly the newcomers had settled into the team, despite expectations that they would need more time to adapt to life at the Sea Robbers.

“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 the MTN8 final would provide an important early boost for the new arrivals and establish the club’s ambitions for 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.”

While he waits for another opportunity to play, Makhaula has accepted a mentoring role within a young Pirates squad. He said he had encouraged the club’s younger midfielders to take responsibility on the pitch while he offered support from the sidelines.

“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’s immediate focus, however, is Saturday’s final and the chance to add another trophy before deciding when to retire.