Orlando Pirates veteran midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula has opened up on a decision to delay his retirement after publicly revealing that he would retire when the Buccaneers win the Betway Premiership title.
Makhaula addressed his retirement stance at the Pirates training base in Rand Stadium, Johannesburg, on Monday, as the team prepares for yet another cup final.
The South African football cup kings are gearing up for the MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns on 10 October 2026. Sundowns and Pirates are set to lock horns at Moses Mabhida Stadium, with both sides eyeing the R10 million prize.
Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated final, Makhaula addressed his future at Pirates after making a bold retirement claim last season.
WHY MAKHEHLENE MAKHAULA DECIDED AGAINST RETIRING AT THE END OF LAST SEASON
Despite making a retirement declaration, Makhaula continued to play after signing another one-year contract extension to stay with the club until June 2027.
“It’s a different story now [about retirement]; I think I still have the legs. Thanks to the chairman [Dr Irvin Khoza] for giving me another opportunity,” Makhaula said.
“He said, ‘No man, I still need you’, and here I am. I’m grateful for the opportunity, the legs are still there, and I can still run. So we’ll see.”
The hard-tackling midfielder initially joined Pirates in the 2023 January transfer window from AmaZulu FC to beef up the club’s midfield options.
Since arriving at the Sea Robbers, Makhaula has proven a reliable figure in the team, helping the club win seven major trophies, including the elusive league title last season.
At Pirates, the 36-year-old has made 91 appearances across all competitions and scored two goals. In the 2024/25 season, Makhaula won the Betway Premiership Midfielder of the Season award after delivering impressive performances under then-head coach Jose Riveiro.
In the current campaign, the former Highlands Park anchorman has struggled for regular playing minutes with Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Thapelo Mokobodi and Simphiwe Selepe sharing the responsibilities in the defensive midfield position.
Makhaula will hope for a change in his game-time situation in the coming weeks as Pirates continue their quest to challenge for all domestic trophies and the CAF Champions League title.
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