Orlando Pirates midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula has highlighted his strong bond with teammate Thalente Mbatha, a connection forged during their time at Highlands Park.
Despite their separate paths to AmaZulu (Makhaula) and SuperSport United (Mbatha) following the sale of the Lions of the North, their reunion at the Buccaneers has seen them seamlessly re-establish their midfield partnership.
Makhaula, who believes Mbatha has a bright future in football, emphasized the strong off-field relationship that continues to underpin their on-field success.
‘WE CALL EACH OTHER & WE CHECK EACH OTHER’
“I think he is going far and I’m happy, he always messages me like I said in the other interviews,” Makhaula said after the Nedbank Cup draw.
“We call each other, we check each other and check our games when we play different teams.
“He is a boy that is very disciplined and listens.”
Mbatha joined Orlando Pirates on loan from SuperSport United in January 2024.
His impressive performances during that period earned him a permanent contract with the Soweto giants at the start of the current season.
