Makhaula reveals Pirates chairman’s role in his recovery from long-term injury

Orlando Pirates midfielder Makhehleni Makhaula has opened up on the kind of help he received from club chairman Irvin Khoza during his spell out with an injury.

Makhaula sustained a long-term injury in the final weeks of last season and had to stay out until last month when he came back into the side.

It was a tough time for the ever-green 36-year-old, who was crowned the PSL Midfielder of the Year last season.

However, he says what kept him going was the support of those at the club, led by the chairman, who took it upon himself to check up on the players who were out with injuries.

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He also credits teammates, especially those who had gone through similar situations, for giving him the motivation he needed for a strong comeback.

“I think the support from the club,” Makhaula said when asked about what gave him hope during that painful period as per iDiski Times.

“The Chairman always called me and the players, the supporters, the family, the physios, the most important thing is Jesus Christ, because I always pray. And I always ask God for each and every day that he gives me and the strength that he always gives us all.

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“And I think being around people who have faced this kind of injuries helps, because Tshego [Mabasa] had the same injury as me, and he was always motivating me what I should do, and what I should not do.”

Makhaula has since returned to action and played four matches so far as he looks to help Pirates challenge for the PSL title.

The 36-year-old will play a big part in the second half of the season especially with the injury to Sihle Nduli who will not feature again this term.