Orlando Pirates midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula has revealed that he once came close to quitting football before destiny steered him towards the Sea Robbers.
Now 35, and turning 36 in November, Makhaula has become a cornerstone of Pirates’ midfield, collecting three trophies along the way and earning the Betway Premiership Midfielder of the Season award. His rise, however, has been anything but straightforward.
In the club’s new documentary Giants, the Randfontein-born star reflects on the difficult chapter in his career when doubt almost forced him out of the game.
MAKHEHLENE MAKHAULA’S JOURNEY TO ORLANDO PIRATES
“I remember wanting to give up,” the player known as ‘Shoes’ said. “I thought it was over. From Highlands Park to COVID, to the team getting sold.
Orlando Pirates interest
“When my agent called me, he said, ‘Cash, Pirates want to sign you.’ I told him, ‘No way.’”
“I told him I was 34. How could Pirates want me when I was 34? There were a lot of headlines, some negative, saying that Makhaula is old and stuff.
“But we thank God and our ancestors, who we always make requests to. They know the paths they have set for us.”
Makhehele Makhaula’s club history before Orlando Pirates
- Trabzon FC – 2014
- Free State Stars – 2019
- Highlands Park – 2020
- AmaZulu FC – 2023.
MAKHEHLENE MAKHAULA’S CONTRIBUTION AND HONOURS AT ORLANDO PIRATES
- 10 appearances in the 2022-23 season
- 19 appearances with one goal in the 2023-24 season
- 44 appearances with one goal in the 2024-25 season
- 2025/26: Injured.
Titles
- MTN8 champion 2023
- Nedbank Cup champion 2023
- MTN8 champion 2024.
Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates’ injury update on Makhaula was on 15 August. “Most of the players are available; we only have Sibisi and Makhaula, who are still coming back from injury. We also have Ndah [who is still injured], but most players are available,” the club said.
Makhaula suffered an ankle injury during Orlando Pirates’ 3-0 win over Golden Arrows on May 13, 2025, from a 50/50 challenge with an opposing player.
CAN HE RECLAIM HIS PLACE IN THE STAR-STUDDED BUCCANEERS MIDFIELD?
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