Orlando Pirates targeting AmaZulu’s Makhehleni Makhaula on a free transfer
AmaZulu captain Makhehleni Makhaula could wave farewell to the Durban-based club due to an expiring contract that runs out in June and Orlando Pirates are keen on him.
The veteran midfielder, Makhaula, has been a vital member of Usuthu since he joined from Highlands Park in 2020.
AmaZulu were expected to pull out all the stops to keep their skipper at the club.
However, FARPost has been led to believe that the two parties are “not finding each other”, and Orlando Pirates are reportedly showing interest in Makhaula.
Now that he’s entered the final six months of his contract with AmaZulu, Makhaula is allowed to sign a pre-contract agreement with any club of his choice that he would then join in July.
The sources close to AmaZulu have claimed that the 33-year-old wants to stay at the club. However, it’s beyond his control.
MAKHAULA TO LEAVE AMAZULU IN JUNE?
“It seems like they won’t give him an improved deal. It’s the same situation as [Luvuyo] Memela’s,” a source told FARPost.
AmaZulu president Sandile Zungu admitted that while talks were ongoing, there was no guarantee their captain would stay.
“We’re discussing with his agent back and forth,” Zungu told FARPost. “But we cannot be assured of success. We’ve learnt to appreciate that.”
“We may succeed in finding each other. We may not succeed in finding each other.
“But it’s all good. There’s no hostility at all. He remains our captain and is highly valued.
“In the event that we’re not able to attain him, we’ll accept that it was not to be.
“But we’re happy that we’re discussing with his agent. But like I said, we may find each other, and we may not find each other.
“If we don’t find each other, life goes on for him, and we’ll appreciate that.”
PIRATES TRYING TO LURE MAKHEHLENI TO PARKTOWN
Orlando Pirates are understood to have begun attempts to lure Makhaula to Parktown as they intend to bolster their midfield further.
The Buccaneers are said to be pushing for a pre-contract agreement in order to snap the defensive midfielder up on a free transfer at the end of the season.
“At the moment, Orlando Pirates are the only club I know that is interested in him and have started talking to him,” the source added.
Makhaula has made over 80 appearances during his stay at the KwaZulu-Natal outfit.
RELATED STORY: What striker Sede Dion brings to the AmaZulu camp