Orlando Pirates might be building a youthful foundation, but one experienced campaigner is standing tall among the next generation—and proving he’s far from done.
Hunt Backs Veteran Midfielder as Pirates’ Most Vital Player
While many are focused on flashy forwards and rising stars, veteran coach Gavin Hunt sees things differently. During a recent SuperSport TV appearance, Hunt praised Mamelodi Sundowns’ Teboho Mokoena as the best player in the country, but when it comes to Pirates, it’s a seasoned pro who’s caught his eye.
“The best player at Pirates is the boy in the middle… Makhaula,” Hunt said, referring to 35-year-old Makhehleni Makhaula. “He’s the glue holding everything together.”
Despite the Buccaneers leaning into youth, it’s Makhaula’s experience, discipline, and work rate that keeps things balanced in midfield. He’s featured in 19 league games and 38 matches overall this season—clear evidence that age is just a number when the engine still runs at full throttle.
All Eyes on Season-Defining Soweto Derby Clashes
Orlando Pirates now face a massive test with back-to-back battles against Kaizer Chiefs. First, they meet in the Betway Premiership on Saturday, 3 May at 15:00. A week later, they collide again in the Nedbank Cup final on Saturday, 10 May. With so much at stake, the experienced heads like Makhaula could be the difference between heartbreak and glory.
