Orlando Pirates midfielder reveals why he did not retire last season

Orlando Pirates midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula has revealed why he decided not to retire at the end of last season.

The 36-year-old veteran midfielder has played a vital role in the team’s success in recent years. Last season, he said he would retire if the Buccaneers won the league title.

Pirates did win the league however, Makhaula is still playing after extending his stay with the club for another year.

“First of all, I would like to thank all of you, ladies and gentlemen. Yeah, it was like that, but all thanks to my chairman who said, ‘No, you still got the legs. Can you go one more? Maybe we’ll see’. I said, ‘Okay, chairman, ’ Makhaula told iDiski Times.

Makhaula is the oldest player at Orlando Pirates

Having joined the Buccaneers in his mid 30s, Makhaula has enjoyed his time at Mayfair winning seven trophies with the Soweto giants.

This weekend, Orlando Pirates face Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. With new players signed, the veteran midfielder believe they will get over the line.

“It’s really exciting to go to another final with a different group.”

“I’m sensing a win; I think the guys showed up, they were great. I would just say I’m sensing the win. I’m sensing us defending the trophy,” he said.

Makhaula hasn’t featured much this season but remains to be seen if he would make an appearance in the final for Orlando Pirates on Saturday.