Makhehleni Makhaula chases complete childhood dream as Orlando Pirates aim for championship glory

Makhehleni Makhaula is fulfilling a childhood and family dream by playing for Orlando Pirates. For him, there could be no better moment to savour the achievement than by helping the club return to the pinnacle of South African football this season.

Pirates are currently third in the Betway Premiership, just three points behind log leaders and reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who have played two games more.

Having finished second in the log last season and secured a two domestic titles, the MTN8 and Carling Knockout, Pirates are widely tipped to finally knock Sundowns off their perch come May.

That would mark a dream-come-true-season for everyone associated with Pirates, including Makhaula, who grew up supporting the club before finally donning the famous black jersey a few years ago.

Joining Pirates brought immense joy to Makhaula’s family. Many of his relatives and elders, including his late mother, were staunch Ghosts. That's why winning the league for the first team since the 2011/12 season would make him proud.

“It would mean a lot if we were to win the title,” Makhaula said. “I think even my mother – may her soul rest in peace – would be really proud of me. She was also a fan of Pirates, so I think she would be proud that I achieved something with the club I have always loved.

“Yeah, I don’t know what to say, but I am willing to do whatever it takes to help the youngsters, go the extra mile for them, and help them achieve whatever they want.”

Makhaula revealed why he takes it upon himself to mentor and nurture younger players in hopes of building a stronger team.

“I always push them. If they are not training well – the Tshepang Moremis and others – I always tell them: ‘You can’t f*** up; you need to push,’” he said.

“I always ask them to push more because it might be the first and last time for some of them to experience something like this. So, if you don’t push them, where will they get it again?

“They are young boys who are respectful. They listen to the coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou, and the senior players. You can see they are hungry for success. If that’s the case, it will work for you.”

Despite being 36 years old, Makhaula remains hungry for success, but after recently returning from a lengthy injury, he initially struggled to integrate with the team.

He has expressed gratitude to Ouaddou for his patience, and to his teammates for helping him regain his form, particularly after completing his first full 90 minutes of the season in a 0–0 draw against Sekhukhune United.

Makhaula returned to a team with a rock-solid defence, a potent attack, and energetic youngsters. He is confident they have what it takes to go all the way this season, though he emphasises the importance of not putting themselves under unnecessary pressure.

“I also have the belief,” Makhaula said. “The most important thing is to not put ourselves under pressure. We need to take it as it comes.

“When you start putting yourself under pressure, that’s when things go wrong. You mustn’t worry about what other people are doing on social media. Just focus on your own house and try to get better.

“You must strive to achieve what you want. That’s the spirit: we don’t care about what happens with other teams. We are focused on ourselves, and that’s the spirit for us.”

Pirates will host Magesi at the newly rebranded Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday night (6pm kick-off). A win would level them with Sundowns, providing extra motivation for Makhaula to continue pursuing his dream and helping the club reclaim the top of South African football.