Where is Orlando Pirates’ Makhehlene Makhaula?

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou remains optimistic that Makhehlene Makhaula’s experience will come in handy at some point this season.

The 35-year-old played a vital role for the Sea Robbers last season, helping them retain the MTN8. Under the then coach Joser Riveiro, the Soweto giants also finished second in the Premier Soccer League, reached the final of the Nedbank Cup but lost to Kaizer Chiefs, before falling against Pyramids in the CAF Champions League semi-final.

 Makhaula was a factor which saw him winning the Midfielder of the Season Award owing to his exploits. As a matter of fact, he played 48 games across all competitions for the Buccaneers.

In his absence, Sihle Nduli and Thalente Mbatha have stepped up, but the likes Abdoulaye Mariko and Masindi Nemtajela have also done the job when needed.

Where is Makhaula?

The veteran midfielder was injured back in May, and has since not made any appearance this season. He has, however, returned to full training and coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has shared the latest on the player.

“Makhaula is in a good way. He came back, but you know, when you have such a long-term injury, sometimes you come back and after that you still feel pain,” the former international defender stated.

“So with the medical department, sometimes you don’t want to take a risk and lose him for a long time. So, he came back, he felt pain, and now he is recovering again. I think he is close to coming back to training. Now he is running, and I hope he will join us very soon because he is an important player for me.

“I was following him before. I love his character, I love his leadership, and he is definitely someone who can bring something to the team,” Ouaddou concluded. 

It is interesting to see the role Makhaula plays when he returns to full fitness.