Orlando Pirates Veteran Makhehlene Makhaula Reveals Why He Delayed Retirement




 Orlando Pirates veteran midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula has revealed why he decided to continue playing football despite previously indicating that he could retire after winning the league title.

The 36-year-old midfielder had suggested that lifting the league trophy with the Buccaneers could provide the perfect ending to his playing career.

Pirates subsequently achieved that goal, but Makhaula did not walk away. Instead, he extended his stay at the Soweto giants for another season. 

Irvin Khoza convinced Makhaula to continue

Makhaula has now explained that Orlando Pirates chairman Dr Irvin Khoza played an important role in convincing him that his career was not over.

Speaking ahead of Pirates' MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns, the experienced midfielder said the chairman believed he could still contribute for another season.

Makhaula said he feels physically capable of continuing and is grateful that the club has given him another opportunity. 

His decision resulted in another one-year extension, keeping him with Pirates until June 2027, according to FARPost. 

Experienced midfielder remains part of Pirates' plans

Makhaula joined Orlando Pirates from AmaZulu in January 2023 and has since established himself as an experienced presence in the Buccaneers' midfield.

His time with Pirates has also brought considerable success. FARPost reports that the midfielder has collected seven major trophies with the club and made more than 90 appearances across competitions. 

He was also named Betway Premiership Midfielder of the Season for 2024/25, highlighting his influence despite being one of the oldest members of the squad. 

Makhaula embraces a different role

Remaining at Pirates is not only about playing every match.

With the club developing a younger squad, Makhaula's experience can also provide leadership to players coming through the team. The Sowetan reports that the veteran has embraced a mentorship role as Pirates continue competing for major honours. 

Makhaula has not featured as regularly during the current campaign, but he remains part of the squad and believes he still has enough energy to compete at the highest level. 

Attention turns to MTN8 final

Makhaula's comments come as Orlando Pirates prepare for another major fixture.

The Buccaneers are set to face Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday, 10 October 2026.

The midfielder said reaching another final with a changed group of players is exciting and expressed confidence in what the team can achieve.

Whether Makhaula features in the final remains to be seen, but his decision to delay retirement means the veteran has another opportunity to add to his collection of trophies with the Soweto giants.

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