Makhaula Backs Pirates Youth For World Cup Dream
Orlando Pirates midfielder Makhehleni Makhaula has praised the rapid growth and fearless mentality of Pirates’ emerging stars, saying their hunger to learn is driving the club’s success this season.
The Buccaneers have enjoyed a memorable campaign, already lifting two domestic trophies, and Makhaula believes the influence of the club’s senior players has played a key role in helping the youngsters flourish.
Relebohile Mofokeng, Tshepang Moremi, Oswin Appollis, Lebone Seema, Nkosikhona Ndaba, and Yanela Mbuthuma have all become central figures in the team’s rise to the top of the Betway Premiership standings, where Pirates currently lead with 38 points, six ahead of second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns.
“I think for me, they are willing to learn, and they always listen to the coach and also to us as senior guys,” Makhaula said.
“If you don’t protect these youngsters, then they will not do well.
“If they are making mistakes, it’s fine, then they will fix them on the next game because they know there’s (Nkosinathi) Sibisi, (Sipho) Chaine that is going to protect them when they lose the ball, and also everyone is there.
“But if you don’t score, then the senior guys are going to shout at them. We want them to do better because we really want to see them going to the World Cup and representing us better.”
The former AmaZulu midfielder also highlighted the leadership responsibility carried by senior players in guiding the next generation, singling out the progress of Seema.
“Probably they will be there in the World Cup, and you can see the likes of (Lebone) Seema is raising his hand, and I’m here to guide him,” Makhaula added.
Mofokeng, Appollis, and Moremi have already taken significant steps on the international stage after being included in the Bafana Bafana squad that competed at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Ndaba and Seema are still pushing for their first senior national team call-ups, while Mbuthuma – capped during his time at Richards Bay – is working to return to the fold after joining Pirates at the start of the current campaign.
On the domestic front, Mofokeng has been one of the standout performers in the league, claiming three consecutive Man of the Match awards this year as his influence in the Pirates attack continues to grow.
Pirates now turn their attention to a crucial league clash against Sundowns at FNB Stadium on Wednesday night, a match that could have a major impact on the title race.
With their youthful core playing a decisive role throughout the season, the Buccaneers will once again look to Mofokeng, Appollis, Moremi, Ndaba, Seema, and Mbuthuma to maintain their impressive form as they chase another piece of silverware and edge closer to Makhaula’s dream of seeing them on the world stage.
