Makhehleni Makhaula’s future at Orlando Pirates hangs in the balance, with his contract ending in June 2024.
Makhaula signed an 18-month deal in January, completing his move from AmaZulu to the Buccaneers.
In his nine months at the Soweto giants, he has featured 14 times, playing a peripheral figure. Only three were starts, while he came off the bench 11 times.
Bucs coach Jose Riveiro has relied mainly on Thabang Monare in the defensive midfield position. The trio of Miguel Timm and Siphelo Baloni are seemingly ahead of Makhaula in the pecking order.
WHAT MAKHAULA’S AGENT SAID ABOUT HIS FUTURE
The former AmaZulu captain’s agent, Sizwe Ntshangase, has now discussed Makhaula’s future with Pirates.
“Makhehleni is a professional player who knows he must fight for his place. He continues to maintain a professional attitude,” Ntshangase said.
Despite limited game time, Makhaula has already lifted two cups with the Buccaneers. He was part of the team that won the Nedbank Cup final, beating Sekhukhune United 2-1.
Pirates went on to beat Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 on penalties in the MTN8 final recently. Makhaula was an unused substitute in that match played at the Moses Mabhida two weeks ago.
Bucs have an option to extend the deal by a year when it expires in June 2024. However, the 33-year-old would have to impress Riveiro in the next couple of months for the club to keep him.
It remains to be seen whether Makhaula will sign a new contract with Pirates or move to another club at the end of the season. However, it is clear Riveiro prefers other midfielders ahead of him.
The Sea Robbers will be back in action on Friday, 20 October as they take on Cape Town Spurs in the Carling Black Label Knockout Cup.
The game will start at 19:30 at Orlando Stadium.
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