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Xoki outlines attributes that makes Makhaula a good signing for Pirates

Orlando Pirates defender Tapelo Xoki has outlined the attributes that make highly-rated midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula a good for the Soweto giants.

Makhehlene Makhaula joined Pirates from the KZN outfit AmaZulu FC on the last day of the PSL transfer window.

The 33-year-old penned a one-and-a-half year deal with Pirates, keeping him at the club till June 2024.

Xoki and Makhaula know each other very well as they were teammates at Usuthu. Now they have reunited at the Soweto giants.

Makhaula’s arrival will give coach Jose Riveiro many midfield options to choose from.

The former AmaZulu captain, however, will face stiff competition from Thabang Monare, Ben Motshwari, Fortune Makaringe, Goodman Mosele, Phillip Ndlondlo and Miguel Timm.

WHAT MAKHAULA BRINGS TO ORLANDO PIRATES

“He [Makhehlene Makhaula] brings more of his leadership qualities to the team. I know for a fact that he’s a good leader and he’s competitive as well,” Xoki told the media.

Makhehlene Makhaula during a training session. Picture by Orlando Pirates
Makhehlene Makhaula during a training session. Picture by Orlando Pirates

“He’s one of the hard guys in the league and we would like to have that in the team. We hope to have a good time with him and hopefully intergrate with other guys very well.”

MAKHAULA DEBUT LOOMING

Makhaula took part in his first training session with the rest of the team on Wednesday morning at Rand Stadium in Johannesburg

Pirates are preparing to face a tricky Mamelodi Sundowns side on Saturday, 04 February in the DStv Premiership.

The experienced midfielder is available for selection for the upcoming match. However Riveiro didn’t reveal whether the midfielder will make his debut on Saturday.

“We happy to have more material in the squad and we working to make sure they can be ready to be selected as soon as possible like everyone else,”  he added.

Pirates-Sundowns showdown headlines the DStv Premiership matches heading into the weekend.

The much anticipated encounter at Orlando Stadium kicks off at 3:30pm.

RELATED STORY: Makhehlene Makhaula’s first words after signing for Orlando Pirates

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