Orlando Pirates have moved swiftly to complete the signing of Makhehlene Makhaula from Amazulu FC.
The 33-year-old joins Pirates on a one-and-a-half-year deal.
“As I begin a new chapter in my career, I cannot do so without paying homage to my former club. To the entire board, the technical team, my teammates, and the supporters of Usuthu thank you all for everything you have done for me.”
“I am so happy to have signed for one of the biggest clubs in the country. It’s a dream come true for me,” said the 33-year-old.
“I am looking forward to meeting up with my new teammates and helping the Club move towards reaching their objectives.”
But now that Amabhakaniya finally have their man, what does he bring to the club?
Makhehlene Makhaula made seventeen appearances for his former club, Amazulu FC this season. In seventeen games, the midfield hardman never scored a goal nor produced an assist.
However, he did receive six yellow cards, and no, not because of ill-discipline. Makhaula does the dirty work, and he doesn’t shy away from tackles, he goes in, and he goes in hard.
With Makhaula in front of them, the already solid Orlando Pirates defense need not fear, they are covered.
He doesn’t only bring the ability to break down opposition attacks.
While Pirates have other good midfielders who can do the dirty work, in Ben Motshwari, Thabang Monare, and Miguel Timm, Makhaula brings something extra, he brings leadership. As much as Amabhakaniya has managed just fine with their midfielders, they lack someone with leadership skills in the engine room.
Makhaula is that sort of a player, having done well as Amazulu’s captain, inspiring them into the MTN8 final, where they lost to his new team.
He can be vocal when the chips are down to motivate his teammates, but maybe his best leadership quality is that of leading by example. Makhaula puts in a shift and a half, game after game, week in and week out.
With Orlando Pirates in a great position to qualify for the rigorous CAF Champions League, he will come in handy.
Also Read: South Africa Needs Orlando Pirates In The CAF Champions League
In Makhehlene, Orlando Pirates pulled off a great coup.
