Orlando Pirates midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula has revealed that winning
a league title is the final, non-negotiable dream that will dictate the
timing of his retirement.
The 36-year-old, speaking at the club’s press conference at Rand Stadium on
Wednesday, shared how the vibrant energy of the team’s younger players
provides daily motivation, pushing him to maintain his fitness and
competitive edge.
“I think the young guys always want to challenge me each and every time,
even during training,” Makhaula said. “When I try to take things easy, they
come hard on me always.” He acknowledged that their speed and intensity test
his limits, but believes his experience balances the scale. “I just have to
keep myself fit and eat well so that you can see me all the time that I’m
still running. They motivate me too much. I’m learning a lot from them, and
they’re also learning a lot from me.”
When the conversation turned to retirement, the Randfontein-born veteran’s
ambition was clear. “Only God knows,” he stated. “I’m always praying because
my wish is the league. We will see, maybe this season it can happen, but
hopefully.”
He described winning the Betway Premiership as a paramount life goal. “It
will be a dream come true… With the big teams, you must be with the big
teams because big teams are always fighting for something. Not that I am
disrespecting any team, but big teams are always fighting for everything.”
Since joining Pirates, Makhaula has collected nearly every major domestic
cup—the MTN8, Nedbank Cup, Carling Knockout, and Carling Black Label Cup.
The league winners’ medal remains the glaring omission from his cabinet, a
void he is determined to fill before hanging up his boots.
