Makhaula Focused On One Game At A Time Despite Quadruple Chance
Orlando Pirates midfielder Makhehleni Makhaula insists that the prospect of winning four trophies this season has not added any extra pressure on the team.
Pirates have already secured the MTN8 trophy, and a victory over CR Belouizdad in the CAF Champions League group stage match at Orlando Stadium on Sunday will confirm their place in the knockout stages.
The Soweto Giants are also locked in a tight race with Mamelodi Sundowns for the league title, currently occupying second place with 27 points, three behind the Tshwane giants.
On Thursday, Pirates were drawn with Richards Bay in the Nedbank Cup round of 32, a competition they have dominated, having won it for the past two seasons.
“We just have to take one game at the time, so I don’t want to put pressure on the guys,” said Makhaula.
“We just have to take it one game at the time and I think that is what we are doing.
“Win all the games that we are playing and will try and reach whatever goals that we have set for ourselves.”
As Pirates were paired with Richards Bay in the Nedbank Cup, Makhaula will be aiming for his fourth trophy in this competition. He previously won it with Free State Stars in the 2017/18 season and twice with Pirates.
The 35-year-old, whose contract expires at the end of the season, is wary of the unpredictability of the Natal Rich Boyz, whom they have defeated in both league matches this season.
“Whenever we face a team from the ABC Motsepe League, it’s usually a one-sided affair,” he said.
“But now we’re drawn against a PSL team, it presents a more challenging encounter. Richards Bay always gives us a tough game, and we are looking forward to the fixture.”
The 2025 Nedbank Cup – celebrating its 18th edition as South Africa’s most prestigious knockout tournament – has introduced an exciting new Goals vs Saves competition that rewards and engages Mzansi’s football fans with every goal scored and every save made throughout the tournament.
The venues, times, and dates for the Nedbank Cup matches will be announced by the PSL in due course.
