Orlando Pirates have added many star names to their squad, but one player has been an invisible force driving them forward this campaign, writes Mazola Molefe.
The first Soweto Derby of this season’s Betway Premiership produced two big moments in the dying minutes of the popular fixture.
Orlando Pirates were awarded a penalty when Relebohile Mofokeng was fouled during added time and then Patrick Maswanganyi – who had missed from the spot at a crucial moment away to Cape Town City a few weeks prior – stepped up and converted with a Panenka to win it for the Buccaneers.
But the player who emerged to collect the Man of the Match award was midfield workhorse Makhehlene Makhaula.
Those caught up in the euphoria of the occasion between two of South Africa’s football giants – Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs – would most likely have argued that ‘Tito’ Maswanganyi was more deserving of the award.
However, Makhaula has produced some stellar performances that have helped Pirates edge the competition on many occasions and made the squad very dependent on the 35-year-old.
Speaking to SoccerClub about how the 2024/25 campaign has turned out for him, including being considered one of the first names on the team sheet under coach Jose Riveiro, the veteran really lives up to the adage ‘age ain’t nothing but a number’.
“I think I have to give credit to the physios and the coach. I am always resting. I don’t have to cry about anything – and I am not someone who likes alcohol. I take care of myself well,” he explained when the question was posed about regular minutes in what has been a busy season for the club.
Pirates are spoilt for choice in that midfield position with Miguel Timm, Thalente Mbatha, Selaelo Rasebotja and Goodman Mosele, who is currently injured, however the technical team were convinced that Makhaula gave the back four the best protection from midfield with 27 out of 30 appearances in all competitions this season at the time of going to print.
“Yes, but when I am tired I tell them,” the player insists.
“I will say ‘give me 80 minutes here and take me off here’. But most of the time I think I can manage.”
Should Pirates go all the way to dethrone Mamelodi Sundowns in the title race, then Makhaula will no doubt be among the unsung heroes. Although Riveiro usually prefers commenting on the team rather than individuals, he was pressed for his thoughts on Makhaula’s standout performance in the Soweto Derby.
His comments proved again why Pirates look vulnerable without him.
“His performance speaks volumes, he’s a proper professional, I think you can imagine, he is working so hard, he’s pushing himself and everyone around to [him to] have this mentality that is taking us to the space we’re in right now.”
Riveiro and his charges resume African Champions League football this month as they seek to add a second star on the club crest.
The Spanish mentor has a starstudded team no doubt, but hard grafters like Makhaula seldom get given credit.
‘Cash’ as he is affectionately known, is getting all the recognition and flowers at the moment.
