Orlando Pirates midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula has revealed why he decided to postpone his retirement after previously suggesting that he would walk away from football once the Buccaneers won the Betway Premiership title.
The veteran midfielder addressed his future at the Pirates training base at Rand Stadium in Johannesburg as the club prepares for another major cup final.
Makhaula had indicated last season that winning the league would be the right moment to end his playing career. However, the 36-year-old remains part of the Pirates squad after agreeing to another contract extension.
Pirates Chairman Persuaded Him to Continue
Makhaula credited Orlando Pirates chairman Dr Irvin Khoza with playing a major role in his decision to continue his career.
The midfielder explained that Khoza made it clear that he still wanted him at the club, giving him another opportunity to remain involved despite his earlier retirement plans.
Makhaula said he now feels that his body is still capable of handling the demands of professional football and believes he can continue contributing to the team.
His decision means the veteran has extended his stay at Pirates until June 2027.
The League Title Changed the Retirement Equation
Makhaula’s original retirement comments came against the backdrop of Pirates’ long pursuit of the domestic league title.
After helping the Buccaneers finally secure the Betway Premiership crown, the midfielder appeared to have reached the milestone he had identified as a potential endpoint to his career.
Instead, the club’s decision to retain him has given Makhaula another season to compete for silverware.
His latest comments suggest that retirement is no longer an immediate priority, with the midfielder instead concentrating on what he can still offer on the pitch.
Makhaula Has Been Part of a Trophy-Laden Pirates Era
Since joining Pirates from AmaZulu during the January 2023 transfer window, Makhaula has established himself as an experienced presence in the midfield.
His time at the club has coincided with a highly successful period for the Buccaneers, with the midfielder playing his part as Pirates collected seven major trophies.
The league title was particularly significant, completing one of the major objectives the club had been pursuing.
Makhaula has made 91 appearances for Pirates across all competitions and has scored twice during his time with the club.
A Midfielder Who Has Earned Individual Recognition
Makhaula’s contribution has also been recognised individually.
During the 2024/25 campaign, he was named Betway Premiership Midfielder of the Season after producing a series of strong performances under former Pirates coach Jose Riveiro.
The award underlined the midfielder’s importance despite his advancing age and demonstrated that he could still compete at the highest level.
His experience has also made him a valuable option for a Pirates side competing across multiple competitions.
Playing Time Has Become More Difficult
Although Makhaula has decided to continue playing, his role in the current campaign has become less certain.
The veteran has struggled to secure regular minutes as competition for the defensive midfield position has increased.
Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Thapelo Mokobodi and Simphiwe Selepe are among the players sharing responsibilities in the position, leaving Makhaula facing a tougher battle for selection.
The situation could prove important as Pirates enter a demanding part of the season.
MTN8 Final Gives Makhaula Another Opportunity
Pirates’ immediate focus is the MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns on 10 October 2026.
The two South African giants will meet at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, with the winners set to collect a R10 million prize.
For Makhaula, the final represents another opportunity to demonstrate that he still has a role to play at the highest level.
Whether he features prominently will depend on the technical team’s selection, but his experience could remain valuable during a high-pressure encounter.
Pirates Have More Silverware in Their Sights
The MTN8 final is only one part of Pirates’ ambitions for the campaign.
The Buccaneers are also seeking success in the other domestic competitions while competing in the CAF Champions League.
That demanding schedule could provide opportunities for experienced players such as Makhaula, particularly if the club needs to rotate its squad.
The midfielder will therefore hope his improved physical condition and continued experience can translate into more opportunities during the season.
Retirement Can Wait for Now
For Makhaula, the decision to remain at Pirates represents a change from the retirement plan he had previously outlined.
Rather than walking away after achieving his league-title target, he has accepted another opportunity to continue his career.
With his contract now running until June 2027, the veteran midfielder has at least another season to add to his Pirates legacy.
For now, Makhaula appears determined to make the most of the opportunity — and to let his performances, rather than his age, determine when the final chapter of his playing career arrives.
