
Makhehlene Makhaula admits he is grateful to be a regular contributor to Orlando Pirates despite his advancing age.
The 35-year-old former Free State Stars and Highlands Park midfielder only joined the Buccaneers from AmaZulu in 2023.
He has gone on to play 51 times for the club, scoring one goal, and has already featured in 22 competitions in all competitions this season.
Reflecting on his time with Pirates so far, Makhaula explained that he didn’t expect to play as much as he already has.
He said on IOL: “I think the timing for me (to join the club) was perfect, even though I felt like coming here, I wasn’t going to play.
“I think the spirit that has helped me a lot pushed me. I didn’t come here just to add numbers. I came here to win trophies and help the youngsters.
“I think the timing was right – there were youngsters that were coming up. God has always created this path. I am enjoying the moment, and with the club that I love.”
Makhaula added that he has become something of a father figure to the young players at Bucs.
“I think the youngsters are not giving us problems, since they are young. They listen to the older guys, whatever we tell them,” Makhaula explained.
“I am happy that they always want to learn. They come to the seniors, and say ‘Cash, we want to learn, and how can I do this?’. We then sit down with them.
“They are youngsters who respect the senior guys. That’s why you’ll never find them in the things that are happening in the streets. So, we are managing them very well.
“The coach and the management of the club are also helping us to guide them. So, I think they are on the right track. They must keep it up!”