MIHLALI BALEKA
Makhehleni Makhaula has been on an upward trajectory at Orlando Pirates and he believes that being more clinical in front of goal will earn him more recognition.
Makhaula was an influential figure in Pirates’ progression in the second half of last season. He helped the team defend the Nedbank Cup and finish second in the DStv Premiership. And for someone who was regarded as a veteran – he was 33 when he joined the club during the 2022/23 transfer window – Makhaula has shut up his naysayers.
His influence has also gone beyond the pitch as he’s playing a big brother role in the dressing room, nurturing youngsters such as Relebohile Mofokeng, who’s 19. Makhaula again played the role of big brother during their 4-2 Nedbank Cup quarter-final win over AmaZulu at the Moses Mabhida Stadium early this year.
After scoring his goal, Makhaula raced to the opposite end of the pitch to hug goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, who was making his first appearance since his mom’s death.
The 18 months at Pirates have been surreal for Makhaula.
“First of all, I didn’t believe that I would be playing for such a big club at my age,” Makhaula said, speaking on the sidelines of the jersey launch at Orlando Stadium yesterday afternoon.
“So, coming to Pirates and playing such games, and getting the love from the supporters, technical team and everyone that works at Pirates has motivated me. Even the people of the community where I come (in Mohlakeng, Randfontein) have motivated me – saying that I can still do it even now.”
Despite his strides both on and off the pitch, Makhaula doesn’t feel like he is appreciated enough by the masses. However, he knows what to do right next season to get people talking.
“The coach is always reminding me that my role is important,” Makhaula said. “They (strikers) can shine and score goals, but they (people) don’t know who’s starting the play.
“I don’t normally get credit, but the coach is normally encouraging me. So, if I get it (the credit) from the coach and the players, that’s enough for me.
“But one day they’ll recognise me. I know that by scoring goals, I will be more recognised in the league.”
Makhaula’s contribution in front of goal will not only better his profile but also the chances of Pirates winning the league title next season. Pirates have ample reason to feel optimistic about their chances of winning a first title since 2012, given the instability at serial champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
Sundown sacked coach Rulani Mokwena, who delivered the seventh successive league title to the club last season, owing in part to a failure to meet the club’s objectives. Since then, they’ve appointed Manqoba Mngqithi as interim head coach, and reappointed Steve Komphela as the senior coach, while Romain Folz has been roped in as an assistant.
Makhaula is not reading too much into what’s happening in the Brazilians’ camp, though, saying that they need to get their house in order first.
Pirates launched their home and away jerseys for next term. The jerseys are designed in honour of James “Sofasonke” Mpanza, who was instrumental in the establishment of the club in 1937.
Mpanza’s name is written at the back of both jerseys, and Makhaula says they’ll fight tooth and nail to ensure that they honour him by challenging for all the trophies next season.
“I didn’t know him until I had to research about him this morning. I saw everything that he did for the people of Soweto,” Makhaula said.
“So, I think to wear this jersey will be a huge honour. The person’s name is written behind the back of my jersey, and now people will now know who he was.
“I think that is something that we need to share with the guys who didn’t know him. I don’t think (Relebohile) Mofokeng knows. But I think if he knows who the person’s name is, then he’ll understand how important he was to the club.”