
Kekana picks Orlando Pirates star for Player of the Season
Orlando Pirates followers could agree with this. Former Mamelodi Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana has named a unexpected player as his top star from the Sea Robbers.
The Player of the Season chat is on. According to Kekana, Orlando Pirates' 36-year-old veteran midfielder Makhaula was the unsung hero.
'This is my Player for the Season [Makhehleni Makhaula],' said Kekana live 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 in the highest level they'll tell you that without this man Pirates they 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,' concluded Kekana.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The South African
20 minutes ago
- The South African
RUMOUR: Orlando Pirates star Monyane to Kaizer Chiefs?
Orlando Pirates have a surplus of right-backs. Could Thabiso Monyane be on his way to Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs? SAFootClassics on X have shared a local report from SuperJourno suggesting that Orlando Pirates right-back Thabiso Monyane has been offered to Kaizer Chiefs. It's not the most far-fetched rumour we've ever heard. Pirates already have several players in that position, with Deano van Rooyen and Bandile Shandu currently vying for the role. Monyane and his namesake Thabiso Lebitso have hardly had a look-in, while Baroka star Tshepho Mashiloane is also on the verge of signing with the Buccaneers. 23-year-old Tshepho Mashiloane is Pirates' latest defensive recruit. The Baroka man can operate at right-back or in central midfield, which 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. Orlando Pirates fans are expectant on Soweto Derby Day. Image: BackpagePix Would Orlando Pirates star Monyane be a good addition to the Kaizer Chiefs squad? 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.


The South African
24 minutes ago
- The South African
Vincent Tshituka scores big ambassadorship post Sharks
Vincent Tshituka, known for his powerful presence on the rugby field with the Sharks, has quickly become a household name across KwaZulu-Natal and beyond. Now, he's stepping into the property world as the official brand ambassador for the Devmco Group, one of KwaZulu-Natal's leading master developers. This new role marks an exciting chapter for Vincent, who is keen to build a future beyond rugby. 'I'm excited about my ambassador role with Devmco Group,' Vincent shares. 'I've already learnt so much about property and development through my involvement in the Salt Rock City project. I want this partnership to benefit everyone involved. I need to give back as much as I gain. I'm committed to learning and getting stuck into the details of their projects.' Vincent's enthusiasm for property development is clear. He's not content with just lending his name. Instead, he's diving deep into understanding the property cycle and development processes. His hands-on approach will see him working closely with the team behind the Sibaya Coastal Precinct, a flagship development that's reshaping the KwaZulu-Natal coastline. Schalk Theunissen, Managing Director of Devmco Group, praises the partnership. 'Vincent brings more than fame. He brings authenticity and a grounded presence to a sector often filled with jargon. We're proud to have him on board. Our goal is to build communities, educate buyers, and help people make smarter property decisions. Vincent shares these values. He's thoughtful and driven to understand this world and share that knowledge with his teammates and the wider community.' Vincent's journey is inspiring. Born in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, and raised in Johannesburg, he has risen through the ranks of South African rugby, according to Sharks Rugby . Highlights include co-captaining the Sharks to a Currie Cup victory and debuting for the Lions Super Rugby team in 2019. His recent Springbok training camp inclusion is a career milestone, signalling more exciting times ahead. This partnership between Vincent and Devmco Group grew naturally. Both parties bonded over shared values—community impact, growth, and the critical need for property education. Vincent's involvement in the Salt Rock City launch showcased the genuine synergy between the athlete and the developer. 'Vincent's role goes beyond just representing a brand,' Theunissen adds. 'He's part of something meaningful. Following the successful Salt Rock City launch, we're thrilled to have him involved in the upcoming release of the final residential opportunities at Salta Estate, Sibaya. Devmco Group is known for bold, people-centred developments across KwaZulu-Natal. Their mission is clear: put people and purpose at the heart of real estate. With Vincent Tshituka on board, they're setting the stage for a new era. One where collaboration meets education, and where South Africans can make informed, meaningful decisions about their property futures. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
Stellenbosch FC's Fawaaz Basadien embracing leadership role as Bafana Bafana captain
STELLENBOSCH fullback Fawaaz Basadien has been named Bafana Bafana captain for the match against Tanzania in Polokwane on Friday night. | BackpagePix The young captain cited the influence of South African football legends in shaping his leadership style. 'It's an absolute honour to captain Bafana Bafana, and I can't wait for the match against Tanzania at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday evening,' he said, exuding enthusiasm and commitment. Basadien, a 27-year-old full-back, expressed his excitement and pride about leading the national team into their June fixtures. This opportunity arises due to regular captain Ronwen Williams' unavailability as Mamelodi Sundowns prepares for the FIFA Club World Cup. Stellenbosch FC defender Fawaaz Basadien has been appointed captain of Bafana Bafana for Friday evening's international friendly against Tanzania. Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. He recalls the impact of watching Bafana Bafana stars like Benni McCarthy and playing alongside Nasief Morris. 'Growing up, I admired professionals like Benni McCarthy, and my time with Nasief Morris taught me invaluable lessons about leadership and camaraderie,' Basadien reflected. He acknowledged Morris' mentorship: 'I was privileged to play with him, and his leadership qualities left a mark on me. It has always been about learning from those who paved the way for us. I aim to take those lessons and help guide the younger players in our squad.' As Basadien steps into this leadership role, he spearheads a predominantly youthful squad in the absence of several senior players. His commitment to nurturing emerging talents speaks volumes about his maturity and vision. 'I am ready and prepared to help those younger players in the team,' he affirmed. With the first match against Tanzania looming, all eyes will be on Basadien and his ability to inspire a new generation of footballers, showcasing the strength of leadership through experience and shared learning. Broos appointed Orlando Pirates defender Nkosinathi Sibisi as the captain for the match against Mozambique on Tuesday. This decision, born from a thorough evaluation of the squad, highlights Sibisi's rich experience and established rapport with fellow players, particularly the nine Buccaneers who form part of the national team setup. Sibisi was his choice after careful consideration and a clear need for leadership. 'It was a bit of searching, but I think with Sibisi we have a good captain,' he emphasised. 'He is an experienced player who has been with Bafana Bafana since I have been here, from the first game.' Sibisi, who has become an integral part of the team during Broos's tenure, brings not only skills on the pitch but also the respect and admiration of his teammates. 'He is a guy who has the respect of everybody,' Broos observed, reinforcing the idea that leadership qualities extend far beyond tactical know-how.