Orlando Pirates shock fans with contract extension for 35-year-old
Orlando Pirates have stunned supporters by handing veteran midfielder Makhehleni Makhaula a new contract. Ensuring he remains part of their plans for another season. The 35-year-old stalwart has signed a one-year extension that keeps him at the club until the end of next season.
'I can confirm that (Makhehleni) Makhaula has signed a one-year contract extension that will keep him at Pirates until the end of next season,' a source told The South African.
Makhaula joined the Buccaneers from AmaZulu in January 2022 and initially found game time hard to come by. However, he fought tirelessly to establish himself, eventually becoming a core part of the squad. His journey, marked by determination and perseverance, has transformed him into one of the club's most dependable players.
This season, Makhaula played a pivotal role in guiding the team to the CAF Champions League semi-finals, where Pirates narrowly missed out against Egyptian giants Pyramids. His performance in the midfield has consistently stood out, making him indispensable in high-pressure fixtures.
Since donning the black and white jersey, Makhaula has lifted two MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cups with Pirates. His leadership and experience have helped shape the club's recent success. While his presence on and off the pitch continues to inspire younger players.
With 83 appearances across all competitions, including 44 this season alone, and two goals to his name. Makhaula remains a key figure in the Pirates' engine room. Although this extension is likely to be his last, it offers him the chance to close his chapter at the club on a high.
The club moved swiftly to secure Makhaula's signature before his contract expired, underlining how much they value his influence. This decision reflects Pirates' trust in his ability to continue delivering. Both as a player and a leader in the dressing room.
Is this a good decision to keep Makhaula at Orlando Pirates?
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
8 hours ago
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs: Zlatan's club loses SA wonderkid to Naturena
Kaizer Chiefs have pulled off a quiet but significant coup by bringing back gifted teenage midfielder Steven Mendes from Hammarby Fotboll in Sweden. The 17-year-old, who left Naturena last year to join the academy of the Allsvenskan side, has returned to South Africa and is set to rejoin Chiefs' DStv Diski Challenge squad. According to iDiski Times , Mendes made an early impact in Sweden, adjusting well to life in Stockholm and impressing with his sharp technical skills. But now, the youngster is back where it all began, ready to continue his development in a Nedbank Cup-winning Chiefs environment. Hammarby IF, steeped in tradition and based in the heart of Stockholm, are one-time Swedish champions and five-time Svenska Cupen finalists. With Zlatan Ibrahimović holding a 23.5% ownership stake, the club has enjoyed global attention and rising expectations. Despite the prestige and opportunity, Mendes has opted for a return to South African football. His time in Europe has sharpened his talent, but home soil now offers the platform to shine brighter. Known for his technical ability and powerful shooting, Mendes has built a reputation for scoring 'anything but ordinary' goals. 'Those who have watched Mendes in action describe his goals as anything but ordinary,' notes a source, underlining the excitement surrounding his return. Back at Chiefs, the midfielder is expected to be a key figure in the Diski Challenge squad, who recently lifted the title for the first time since the reserve league's inception. With the South African national team preparing for U17 and U20 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Mendes will aim to catch the selectors' eyes once more. His European experience gives him an edge, and Chiefs will hope to mould him into a future first-team star. Is this a good move for Kaizer Chiefs and Mendes? 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.
The South African
9 hours ago
- The South African
Mamelodi Sundowns to hijack Kaizer Chiefs target in transfer twist
Mamelodi Sundowns are wasting no time preparing for the 2025/2026 season, with the club setting their sights on Stellenbosch FC's standout defender, Fawaaz Basadien. While they've confirmed they won't dip into the special transfer window, closing on 10 June, for the FIFA Club World Cup, the league champions are already making decisive moves behind the scenes. According to Soccer Laduma , Sundowns have surged ahead of rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates in the race to secure Basadien's signature. The left-back, recently crowned Stellenbosch's Player of the Season, currently features in the national squad for friendlies against Tanzania and Mozambique. A source suggests he's now 'open to a new challenge, with Gauteng calling his name.' Basadien's experience with Stellenbosch FC and Bafana Bafana makes him a valuable asset for Sundowns. His exposure to continental competition positions him as an ideal reinforcement for coach Miguel Cardoso, who is aiming to lead the club back to CAF dominance. 'Sundowns want Basadien,' confirmed a source. 'He's gained continental experience and fits what they need. Chiefs still think they have a chance, but what I'm hearing is that Fawaaz will join Sundowns.' The pursuit signals Sundowns' intent to strengthen their squad with proven local talent, especially as they aim to build momentum after the Club World Cup. With Basadien potentially arriving at Chloorkop, changes are expected in Sundowns' defensive line-up. Terrence Mashego is reportedly on his way out, despite news about the club triggering a contract extension clause. Stellenbosch FC have shown strong interest in the left-back, intensifying speculation around his future. 'So you saw the reports of Sundowns triggering (Terrence) Mashego's contract,' the source added. 'Also they got Divine Lunga, (Aubrey) Modiba, and the boy from Sekhukhune United (Asekho Tiwani). Now they want Basadien, where will he play?' While some clubs scramble during the short transfer window, Sundowns are operating with quiet efficiency. Their early moves hint at a broader strategy to solidify their dominance in South African football and prepare for another strong continental campaign. Their ability to attract a player of Basadien's calibre, while fending off Soweto giants, underlines their continued pulling power. If the deal is completed post-Club World Cup, it could prove one of the defining transfers of the upcoming season. Should Basadien go to Mamelodi Sundowns with all the competition in his position? 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.
The South African
9 hours ago
- The South African
PSL side working on signing Kaizer Chiefs fan-favourite
Sekhukhune United are reportedly keen on signing a struggling Kaizer Chiefs midfielder. Babina Noko are looking to bolster their squad up ahead of next season and reports suggest a Glamour Boy is a top priority for the club. With Amakhosi plotting a major shake-up following a lackluster campaign, United may land their target for free! READ MORE • Transfer report: Kaizer Chiefs sign Orlando Pirates superstar! READ MORE • Orlando Pirates beat Chiefs to star PSL signing! According to the latest reports, Sekhukhune United are closely monitoring George Matlou's situation at Naturena. The talented midfielder has struggled to knuckle down a starting berth at Chiefs. Matlou is set to be offloaded by Kaizer Chiefs when his contract comes to a close at the end of the month. And now, reports suggest Sekhukhune United are waiting in the winds to pounce on the midfielder. 'At the moment the club is looking at different players who the technical team has identified for next season and George Matlou is believed to be one of them,' an insider told Soccer Laduma regarding Sekhukhune United's plans. 'They are monitoring the situation at Kaizer Chiefs first as they have apparently heard that he will be released and if it's like that then he will be a free agent as the talks will be between the player and his representatives and Sekhukhune United. So that is what they are apparently monitoring before they can take the next step.' READ MORE • Kaizer Chiefs confirm fourth exit as R19 million star departs! Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. You can also follow @ TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
