logo
'There is no Orlando Pirates without Makhaula'

'There is no Orlando Pirates without Makhaula'

If a PSL legend thinks Orlando Pirates star Makhehlene Makaula is criminally underrated, we need to sit up and listen.
Hlompho Kekana is a huge fan of Makhehlene Makhaula's industry in midfield for the Sea Robbers.
'This is my Player for the Season [Makhehleni Makhaula],' said Kekana on SABC Sport's Soccer Zone.
'There was no Pirates without this player, and I'll tell you why: he gave them stability in the midfield.
'Those who played in the midfield at the highest level, they'll tell you that without this man Pirates were nowhere because he gave them stability.
'You know, he was ready to do the dirty job for Orlando Pirates. There is no Rele [Relebohile Mofokeng] without Makhaula.' Makhehlene Makhaula trains in the rain at the Rands Stadium. Image: @orlandopirates/X
Speaking on SuperSport TV, SuperSport United boss Gavin Hunt is also a massive Makhaula fan.
'At [Orlando] Pirates, the best player is the boy in the middle. I can't say his name. It starts with an M. Makha… something. [Makhehleni Makhaula]. He is the best at Pirates. He is the glue.'
Kekana is the greatest PSL player in history
35-year-old midfield general Makhaula has made 19 league appearances this term and 44 across all competitions with nine yellow cards. We don't need to tell you how important he is to the Pirates cause under Jose Riveiro. Not many players born in the 80s still have this level of stamina in their tanks.
Is Makhaula the most underrated player in South Africa?
Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Sharks lose Bok champ for Loftus clash
Sharks lose Bok champ for Loftus clash

The Citizen

timean hour ago

  • The Citizen

Sharks lose Bok champ for Loftus clash

A key member in the pack and leader has been ruled out for the Sharks as the Durbanites chase a first Vodacom URC final against the Bulls in Pretoria tomorrow. The Sharks head to Loftus Versfeld riding high after a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Munster in Durban last week, but head coach John Plumtree has to do without skipper Eben Etzebeth for the semi-final clash with the Herd. Etzebeth was injured at training this week, so Corne Rahl has replaced the two-time Springbok world champion in the second row, while Siya Kolisi takes over the captaincy. URC REWIND: Bulls vs Sharks Lock Emile van Heerden also comes in for Jason Jenkins, who hasn't recovered from a knock. Deon Slabbert takes up a spot on the bench, along with centre Jurenzo Julius for Francois Venter. The rest of the lineup remains unchanged. Jake White's Bulls dispatched Edinburgh to book a successive home semi, and boast a strong Loftus record against the Sharks in the URC (3-2). However, recent form favours Plumtree's men, who claimed both league meetings this season, including a 29-19 upset in Pretoria. Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Siya Kolisi (c), 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 James Venter, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche. Bench: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Deon Slabbert, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Jurenzo Julius, 23 Yaw Penxe. The post Sharks lose Bok champ for Loftus clash appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.

Rulani speaks out on Pirates rumours
Rulani speaks out on Pirates rumours

The Citizen

timean hour ago

  • The Citizen

Rulani speaks out on Pirates rumours

'It still has people who are very close to me and to my heart,' said Mokwena. Rulani Mokwena says he would certainly think about going back to Orlando Pirates. Picture: Nabil Ramdani/BackpagePix Rulani Mokwena says he would certainly think about going back to Orlando Pirates, if he was offered the job of head coach again. ALSO READ: Agent denies 'disturbing' Bafana winger to Chiefs reports Mokwena is a free agent after leaving Wydad Casablanca, and the former Sundowns and Pirates mentor spoke fondly of Buccaneers chairman Irvin Khoza. Pirates need a coach Pirates are looking for a new head coach after Spaniard Jose Riveiro's departure, and Mokwena has been strongly linked with the post. 'Of course, I would consider it (the Pirates job),' Mokwena said in an interview with SuperSport. 'It is a big club. It still has people who are very close to me and to my heart. I am very fond of Dr Irvin Khoza. He will always have a special place in my heart. 'I've been fortunate enough that as a coach. I've learned a lot about leadership from a few of the best football leaders on the continent. Dr. Khoza is number one for sure – his general language, history, geography, football … everything.' A strong heritage Mokwena is of Pirates heritage. His grandfather Eric Sono captained the side in the 1960s and his uncle Jomo Sono was a Pirates star of the 1970s. The 38 year-old was an assistant coach at Pirates to Milutin Sredojevic between 2017 and 2019. He then took over as interim head coach when Sredojevic resigned in August 2019. ALSO READ: Basadien 'privileged' to captain Bafana His 14 games in charge were not hugely successful. But Mokwena would return with far more experience and plenty of success under his belt.

All you need to know about Orlando Pirates signing Tshepho Mashiloane
All you need to know about Orlando Pirates signing Tshepho Mashiloane

The South African

time2 hours ago

  • The South African

All you need to know about Orlando Pirates signing Tshepho Mashiloane

Orlando Pirates have wrapped up the signing of Tshepho Mashiloane from NFD outfit Baroka FC. What does he bring to the party? SABC Sport reported last month that Pirates had sealed a deal for Tshepho Mashiloane from Baroka. What is there to know about the 23-year-old? Well, the versatile defender can operate at right-back or in central midfield. This will be a considerable boost for the Pirates technical team; although they have a strong squad at their disposal, both full-back positions are a relative weak spot. With experience in the second tier, it's also hoped that he's ready for a battle. There are reports that Pirates are also close to wrapping up a deal for Baroka's winger Kabelo Kgositsile. He's opened up about the imminent move, which is a bittersweet one. Since making the step up from youth to senior football in 2025, Jaedin Rhodes has flourished. Rhodes can operate in several attacking midfield roles, either on the flanks or behind a central striker. He made 23 appearances in the 2024-2025 league season for the Citizens. Availability is one of his biggest strengths. Last season, he made 29 league appearances, and the season before, he notched up 17. Orlando Pirates fans are expectant on Soweto Derby Day. Image: BackpagePix Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store