Orlando Pirates midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula vs Mamelodi Sundowns at the Loftus Versveld. Image: BackpagePix.
‘My late mom supported Pirates, I wish she saw me’
Eish, some stories leave you feeling a little bit low. Orlando Pirates’ Makhahlene Makhaula wishes his mother was still alive to see him.
Orlando Pirates midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula vs Mamelodi Sundowns at the Loftus Versveld. Image: BackpagePix.
Orlando Pirates star Makhelene Makhaula wishes he arrived at the Sea Robbers before his mother’s death.
ORLANDO PIRATES SIGN MAKHEHLENE MAKHAULA
Following the arrival of Kermit Erasmus, Bienvenu Eva Nga, Miguel Timm, Craig Martin, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Tapelo Xoki, Souaibou Marou, Evidence Makgopa, Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, and Sipho Chaine in the same season, Pirates signed Makhaula from AmaZulu in January 2023.
“Orlando Pirates Football Club is pleased to announce the signing of midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula from AmaZulu on a one-and-a-half-year deal,” the club announced.
“Skhehli, who has been a standout performer for Usuthu in recent seasons, will bring a wealth of experience to the Bucs engine room. The Club would like to thank AmaZulu management for the professional manner in how the transfer of Makhaula was handled,” the note added.
Makhaula also reacted to express his delight on joining Pirates:
“I am so happy to have signed for one of the biggest clubs in the country. It’s a dream come true for me,” he said. “I am looking forward to meeting up with my new teammates and helping the Club move towards reaching their objectives.
“As I begin a new chapter in my career, I cannot do so without paying homage to my former club. To the entire board, the technical team, my teammates and the supporters of Usuthu, thank you all for everything you have done for me,” Makhaula concluded.
ON HIS LATE MOTHER
With a year gone and 19 games played, the midfield hard-man has started to play regular and become a fan-favourite. Speaking to the media ahead of this weekend’s Nedbank Cup game, the 33-year-old from Mohlakeng, Randfontein, wishes his mother was still alive to witness his career in a black jersey.
“My late mom was a Pirates fan; even my aunt was a Pirates fan,” Makhaula said in a video shared by @TheeSportsGuy01 on X.
“I wish this opportunity of coming here should have come when I was 26/27. Unfortunately, that’s not how we plan things. God decided no, yiya lapha umdala,” Pirates’ Makhaula added.
Makhaula has been around the block. He started his top-flight career at Free State Stars before moving to Highlands Park, Amazulu and finally Pirates.
LIST OF APPEARANCES BY CLUB
- Free State Stars: 94
- Highlands Park FC: 9
- AmaZulu FC: 83
- Orlando Pirates: 19…
Meanwhile, the Sea Robbers are focused on Nedbank Cup action this weekend. Makhaula is expected to start as Pirates host Hungry Lions. The game is set for Saturday at 18:00 from the Orlando Stadium.
