Orlando Pirates News Today: Why Makhaula didn’t retire, Mbatha determined to do job vs Downs, & more…

Published on by

Orlando Pirates News Today: Why Makhaula didn’t retire, Mbatha determined to do job vs Downs, & more…

The latest Orlando Pirates News in the last 24 hours, including why Makhehleni Makhaula didn’t retire last season, Abdeslam Ouaddou on MTN8 final between Bucs and Mamelodi Sundowns, Thalente Mbatha determined to do his job against Masandawana, and more.

Orlando Pirates news as they break

Why Makhaula didn’t retire last season

Orlando Pirates midfielder Makhehleni Makhaula has revealed how the club’s chairman convinced him to delay retirement after last season.

The 36-year-old had planned to retire if Pirates won the Betway Premiership, with the league title being the biggest goal of his career.

He was part of the Buccaneers that hoisted the league title last season, ending Mamelodi Sundowns’ dominance in the competition. He has revealed that the chairman urged him to continue for at least one more season, saying he still has the legs to compete at the highest level.

“First of all I would like to thank all of you ladies and gentlemen. Yeah, it was like that but all thanks to my chairman who said ‘no, you still got the legs. Can you go one more maybe, we’ll see’. I said ‘okay chairman’,” Makhaula opened up.

Evidence Makgopa and Makhehlene Makhaula of Orlando Pirates celebrate.
Evidence Makgopa and Makhehlene Makhaula of Orlando Pirates celebrate a goal against Stellenbosch FC. Image: Orlando Pirates

“It’s really exciting to go to another [MTN8] final with a different group. I’m sensing a win, I think the guys showed up, they were great. I would just say I’m sensing the win. I’m sensing us defending the trophy,” he concluded.

Strongest teams set for MTN8 final

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says it’s two of the strongest teams in the country facing off in the MTN8 final this weekend as they take on Mamelodi Sundowns.

Pirates are chasing a fifth consecutive crown in the competition against the reigning champions of Africa. Pirates secured the league title last season, which sees Ouaddou dub it as champions against champions when they do battle at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

The complications in the build-up has been the nearly three-week FIFA break, with both sets of teams dominating the national team selections of South Africa, and the squad only arriving from Egypt tomorrow afternoon.

“The preparation is going well, it’s a good event, we are excited to play this kind of game and defend this title, we had a round two weeks to prepare this game, we missed some players international, like many teams but the rhythm and focus is on the game,” Ouaddou said in a presser.

Abdeslam Ouaddou
Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, Image: Orlando Pirates

“Fantastic event in Durban, we have lot of support in this city, two champions, fantastic event for the country and football lovers, our aim is to have big ambition to do well and show the best face of Pirates and show a good image of South African football

“The game is watched over the continent, let’s say even the world, so it’s important to show a good image. I’m excited, good energy from the players and technical staff, we now just wait for the international players to arrive to continue preparation,” he added.

Mbatha determined to do his job against Sundowns

Thalente Mbatha is focusing solely on doing his job rather than dwelling on his record-breaking achievements as Orlando Pirates prepare for Saturday’s MTN8 final.

The Orlando Pirates midfielder has been nursing an injury that required surgery but used the international break to fully recover and work his way back into contention for Saturday’s MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Speaking to the media at Rand Stadium ahead of the showpiece, Thalente Mbatha downplayed his historic unbeaten run while confirming his readiness for the clash.

Mbatha has not lost any of the last 32 club games he has started across all competitions, establishing the longest unbeaten run by an Orlando Pirates player in PSL history. The statistic has drawn significant attention in South African football circles, but the midfielder remained characteristically humble when addressing the milestone.

Thalente Mbatha of Orlando Pirates vs Golden Arrows
Thalente Mbatha of Orlando Pirates vs Golden Arrows

“Yeah, I’ve seen the pictures and everything, but as I said, for me, my job is to do my job with the Pirates. So I don’t go around looking for that if the team doesn’t lose or anything, because football is about 3 dimensions. You win, you draw, you lose. So for me, it’s a matter of doing my job, and if the team continues winning, that means I’m part of the person that’s doing my job,” the midfielder concluded.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

  • Football Odds
  • Sports Journalism
  • Football

Willis Sob is a sports betting expert and journalist covering Nigeria and South Africa, with 16 years of experience. With a background in journalism, reporting and programme production, he specialises in football odds, and his work has appeared on OK Africa and GOAL, as well as TV, radio and podcasts.

You May Also Like