Makhaula reveals key advantage boosting Pirates’ title hopes

Orlando Pirates midfield enforcer Makhehleni “Khash” Makhaula believes that not participating in the CAF Champions League this season could prove to be a major advantage in the club’s push for the Betway Premiership title.

The Buccaneers head into this weekend’s fixtures sitting third on the log, three points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, but with momentum building as the second half of the campaign unfolds.

Last season, Pirates reached the CAF Champions League semifinals while simultaneously challenging for league honours, a demanding schedule that stretched the squad across domestic and continental fronts. This time, Makhaula feels the conditions are far more favourable.

CAF inter-club competition absence, blessing in disguise?

“I think now it makes a really huge difference,” Makhaula said. “We wanted to play CAF, but it happens. This season it gives us time again to prepare because now we have five days to prepare.

“It’s going to help us recover better and stay on the necks of the teams on top of us. It really helps.”

Last season, Pirates finished 12 points behind Sundowns but comfortably ahead of the chasing pack, with Stellenbosch FC ending 13 points back in third.

This season, however, the title race is far tighter. Kaizer Chiefs currently sit second, just two points behind Sundowns, with very little separating the teams in the top half of the table.

This season is tough, but…

Makhaula says the competitiveness of the 2025/26 campaign adds an extra layer of intensity.

“This season is really tough. From number five, anything can happen, and it’s nice to know there’s someone on your neck always ready to bite,” he explained.

“You can’t relax. You have to stay focused, make sure we don’t concede, and keep the young players like Tshepang Moremi on their toes. They still need the experienced guys around them.

“It’s going to be a great race because no one will win it the way it has happened in past years.”