Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has spoken about the evolution of veteran midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula, who has been a vital cog this season.
The 35-year-old has been putting in good shifts for the Soweto giants in the PSL and the CAF Champions League.
On 27 occasions, he has been trusted to hold the fort in the heart of midfield for the Riveiro-coached side. With one goal under his belt, Makhaula has several Man-of-the-Match awards under his belt this season.
Prior to Orlando Pirates’ defeat at the hands of Mamelodi Sundowns, he was voted Man of the Match when they beat arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 in a Betway Premiership tie at FNB Stadium.
In addition, he accounted for the same award after Pirates edged Sekhukhune United 2-1 in a mid-week league fixture played at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. In this one, Deon Hotto and Makhaula were on target.
Even as Pirates were being hammered by Sundowns, veteran midfielder Makhaula was impressive with his tireless performances.
WHAT RIVEIRO SAID ABOUT THE EVOLUTION OF MAKHEHLENE MAKHAULA
As coach Riveiro responded to a question about Kabelo Dlamini, he took time to compliment Makhaula for how he has evolved to come out of his shell and be offensive in his play.
“Makhaula is more defensive, Kabelo is more offensive, but in this team, we defend as a team,” said Riveiro.
“When we have the ball, we attack as a team. As you have seen recently Makhaula’s evolution, he is offensive when we are on the ball. He has been impressive for us.
“We played with two players with experience. Dlamini’s numbers in the league are top in every aspect. It means a lot to us.”
After carving a niche as a ‘Cup kings’, Pirates coach Riveiro is banking on the likes of Makhaula to enhance their title bid.
Riveiro is hopeful of guiding the Buccaneers to a first PSL title since 2012. Moreover, it will need the team to pull all stops as they now trail behind Sundowns by nine points.
RELATED STORY:Â Makhaula assesses Thalente Mbatha’s impact at Pirates
