Latest news with #MakhehleneMakhaula
The South African
02-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
FIVE dream signings to make Orlando Pirates champions of Africa
Orlando Pirates aren't far away from becoming a consistent force on the continent. They do, however, need a bit of surgery. Makhehlene Makhaula is still a highly effective defensive midfield operator, but Pirates might need a long-term contingency plan because he'll be 36 in November. Although it's an absurd suggestion, Pirates might need to make an audacious move for a player of Teboho Mokoena's calibre. Not Mokoena himself, but a domineering central midfield general to go alongside Thalente Mbatha, or free up Mbatha to get higher up the pitch more often. The Buccaneers have wrapped up the signing of Chippa United and Bafana midfield playmaker Sinoxolo Kwayiba. The 25-year-old is part of Hugo Broos' latest South Africa squad to contest friendlies in June. Kwayiba bagged six goals and an assist from 25 league appearances for the Chilli Boys this season. The Gqeherba-born star is in the latest Bafana squad. Sinoxolo Kwayiba celebrates a goal for Chippa United against Cape Town Spurs. Image: Football SA Although the Buccaneers are blessed with options at the sharp end with Tshegofatso Mabasa, Evidence Makgopa and Boitumelo Radiopane, they might be looking at a different style of number 9. Fiston Mayele is a popular name in the media, but will they go for a guy on the wrong side of 30, especially with a rumoured price tag of R12 million? What did Makgopa and Mabasa do to offend Hugo Broos? According to Soccer-Laduma , Orlando Pirates will soon seal a deal for Polokwane City right-back Thabang Matuludi. The same publication sounds less optimistic about their chances of snapping up Bafana winger Oswin Appollis. The 23-year-old reportedly has his heart set on Kaizer Chiefs. Is this a blessing in disguise for the Buccaneers? Broos explains why he likes Selepe for Bafana Can Pirates take the next step and claim Caf Champions League and Betway Premiership glory? 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
22-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates overshadow Kaizer Chiefs in latest Bafana squad
Orlando Pirates have 11 players in the latest preliminary Bafana Bafana squad. Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs can only boast three. Sipho Chaine, Deano van Rooyen, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Simphiwe Selepe, Thalente Mbatha, Evidence Makgopa, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Patrick Maswanganyi, Rele Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota are the 11 Sea Robbers stars in the group. Bruce Bvuma, Yusuf Maart and Mduduzi Shabalala are the Chiefs trio included. Check the whole squad out below: Hlompho Kekana is a huge fan of Makhehlene Makhaula's industry in midfield for the Sea Robbers. The 35-year-old, however, isn't in this latest Bafana squad. 'This is my Player for the Season [Makhehleni Makhaula],' said Kekana on SABC Sport's Soccer Zone. Orlando Pirates midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula vs Mamelodi Sundowns at the Loftus Versveld. Image: BackpagePix. Click for the story Nwabali; Solomons, Msimango, Miguel, Dortley; Cele, Maart; Duba, Kingsley Michael, Lilepo; Mayele. Mduduzi Shabalala could be out in the cold at the outset of the 2025-2026 season after being overlooked as a starter in the Nedbank Cup. Nigerian midfielder Kingsley Michael is a tempting prospect, while his compatriot Stanley Nwabali knows all about goalkeeping in the PSL. Rumours of a big-money move for Pyramids striker Fiston Mayele also refuse to die down. When is Sundowns vs Pyramids in the Caf Champions League final? Which players were unlucky to miss out on selection? 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
22-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates Best XI: One BIG sale, two huge arrivals
The Orlando Pirates board must stand on business in the winter window to make the Sea Robbers next season's title favourites. ADVERTISEMENT Best Pirates XI with two huge signings and a big sale Chaine; Van Rooyen, Sesane, Mbokazi, Letlapa; Mbatha, Makhaula; Appollis, Nkota, Mofokeng; Mabasa. The evergreen 35-year-old Makhehlene Makhaula is certainly still effective and good enough for at least another season at the top level. Pirates might invest in their midfield, but any new arrivals would need to work hard to dislodge the outstanding hard man in the centre of the park. This projected XI also presupposes that Pirates might accept a big-money offer for Patrick Maswanganyi if it arrives. That would see Relebohile Mofokeng more often utilised in the number 10 role. A return to action for the outstanding central defender Thabiso Sesane would also be a massive bonus. Letlapa headlines a list of names linked with Pirates The future is now for Pirates. Image: BackpagePix Kekana hails Orlando Pirates hard man Makhaula 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. Click for the story ADVERTISEMENT Will Oswin Appollis choose The Sea Robbers? Polokwane and Bafana winger Oswin Appollis is reportedly leaving Rise and Shine at the end of the season. The 23-year-old is much coveted by Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs. Who would you add to this current Pirates roster to take them to the next level? 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
22-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
'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.
The South African
16-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates rumours: Mayele, Mabasa, Makgopa, Makhaula
Today's Orlando Pirates stories revolve around Fiston Mayele, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Evidence Makgopa and a crushing blow for Makhehlene Makhaula. To make it financially viable, Pirates would need to sell some surplus stars to raise the reported R12 million needed to sign Fiston Mayele. Even though the club already has a number of top strikers, there's no harm in adding another. If Pirates decide to cash in on either Evidence Makgopa or Tshegofatso Mabasa, they'll need a replacement. It's unlikely both players will stick around with no guarantee of starting every league game. Click for the story According to KickOff, Orlando Pirates' 3-0 win against Golden Arrows came at a cost, with Makhehlene Makhaula forced off with a serious injury. 'The side's bad injury fortunes have seemingly stuck like glue as midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula became the latest casualty,' the report said. Click for the story Wearing the number 47 jersey, Simphiwe Selepe has made his full Betway premiership debut for the Buccaneers. His debut for the club came not long ago, as a substitute against Kaizer Chiefs earlier this month. DDC youngster Cemran Dansin, still just 17, was also named in the matchday squad, which beat Golden Arrows 3-0. The goals came courtesy of Tshegofatso Mabasa, Bandsile Shandu and Kabelo Dlamini. Scroll through this article for a player bio on Number 47, Simphiwe Selepe Orlando Pirates fans are expectant on Soweto Derby Day. Image: BackpagePix Do you regard this season as a success or a failure? 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.
