‘It Doesn’t Sit Well’ – Majoro Retires With One Major Regret

Former Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs striker Lehlohonolo Majoro has confirmed his retirement, admitting that he regrets never winning the MTN8 despite featuring in four finals during his career.

Serving as an ambassador for Saturday’s MTN8 final between Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium, the 40-year-old has been without a club after leaving AmaZulu at the end of the 2022/23 season.

Majoro brought an end to a distinguished playing career that included stints with AmaZulu, Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Cape Town City, and Bidvest Wits.

Despite winning numerous trophies throughout his career, the top-flight striker was famously cursed in the MTN8 competition.

Why Did Lehlohonolo Majoro Never Win the MTN8 Title?

Majoro’s first final defeat arrived during his time with Kaizer Chiefs, when Oupa Manyisa’s long-range strike earned Orlando Pirates a 1-0 victory at FNB Stadium in the 2011/12 season.

Having crossed the Soweto divide to join Pirates midway through the 2013/14 campaign, Majoro returned to the MTN8 final in 2014/15—only to suffer defeat against his former club. Tefu Mashamaite scored the winning goal to seal a 1-0 triumph for Amakhosi at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Majoro earned a third opportunity in 2017/18 under Benni McCarthy at Cape Town City. However, Eric Tinkler’s SuperSport United edged the Citizens on penalties in Durban. His fourth and final chance came with AmaZulu during the 2022/23 campaign, but Usuthu fell 1-0 to Orlando Pirates at the same venue shortly before the club released him.

Which Domestic Trophies Did Lehlohonolo Majoro Win During His Career?

Despite his MTN8 heartbreak, Majoro achieved substantial domestic success elsewhere. He won a Premiership league and Nedbank Cup double under Stuart Baxter at Kaizer Chiefs during the 2012/13 season.

He lifted another Nedbank Cup title with Orlando Pirates in 2013/14, defeating Bidvest Wits in Durban, before helping Cape Town City claim the 2016/17 Telkom Knockout (Carling Knockout) trophy.

Now serving as a tournament ambassador for the MTN8 in Durban, Majoro admits he has come to terms with his record.

“You obviously make peace with it at some point when you retire, as I have now,” said Majoro, who made 329 appearances across all competitions, scoring 80 goals and providing 20 assists.

“This is the only domestic trophy I didn’t win during my career. But I’m grateful that I now get to spend more time around this competition. MTN has recognised me as one of the legends, giving us, as former footballers, the opportunity to remain involved.

“Because the truth be told, out of sight, out of mind. MTN is doing everything in its power to ensure that football, which has brought happiness to so many people, remains relevant.

“It also allows us to see another side of the game because, when we were playing, we would come to the stadium without necessarily engaging with the supporters. Now that we have retired, meeting the people who loved us during our playing days is something we never knew we were missing out on, even long after retirement.

“I’m enjoying each journey.”

Who Is Lehlohonolo Majoro Backing in the Pirates vs Sundowns MTN8 Final?

Majoro will be in attendance on Saturday as Orlando Pirates take on Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium. A win for the Buccaneers would deliver a fifth consecutive MTN8 title and equal Kaizer Chiefs’ historical record of 15 titles.

Despite playing for both Soweto giants, Majoro—who netted 13 goals in 62 appearances for the Buccaneers—is backing Orlando Pirates to retain the silverware.

“These are two Soweto giants. The trophy cabinet matters because these achievements become part of the clubs’ histories,” Majoro said.

“Pirates have really pushed hard over the past four seasons, winning the competition back-to-back and adding other trophies to their cabinet. It is exciting, and that is what we love about football. That is what we played for as footballers, and what we appreciate even more as former players.

“It is all about history and what you have achieved during your playing days. Saying you played professional football without having medals to show for it doesn’t really sit well with us as players.

“Even though I reached the MTN8 final four times, the fact that I never won it still doesn’t sit well with me. But I have made peace with it.”

With Bafana Bafana, Majoro featured in 11 matches and scored two goals.