Makhaula Dares Pirates To Win The Title

Orlando Pirates midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula believes the 2024/25 season could finally see the Buccaneers lift the Betway Premiership title, citing the team’s growing maturity and improved balance across the pitch.

Makhaula has recently returned from a long-term injury and has quickly re-established himself as a key figure in the Pirates midfield. His influence was recognised after he was named Midfielder of the Season for the 2024/25 campaign.

Pirates currently sit third on the Betway Premiership standings with 29 points from 13 matches, trailing Kaizer Chiefs (30 points) and Mamelodi Sundowns (32 points), both of whom have played two more games.

The Buccaneers will host struggling Magesi FC at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday, and a victory could see them move up to second place on the log.

“I also have a belief,” said Makhaula.

“But what’s important is that we don’t have to put ourselves under pressure. We just have to take one game at a time because when you start putting yourself under pressure, that’s where you’re going to go wrong.

“Don’t mind other people’s business or what they are saying on social media, just focus on your house and try to get better, and try to achieve whatever you want to achieve.

“I think that’s the spirit that we have, we don’t care about what happens in other teams. We are just focusing on ourselves, and that has really been a spirit for all of us.”

Makhaula added that Pirates have become more solid in both defence and attack compared to previous seasons.

“I think our defence is solid now, and we’re not conceding silly goals, and we’re more clinical upfront even though we didn’t score this weekend,” Makhaula stated.

“But we’re always clinical, and we have young stars and the players that they brought, now they are willing to run. They are willing to run 200 minutes or whatever minutes they’ve been given.”