Makhehleni Makhaula is a big-brother figure at Orlando Pirates, and that’s why it’s been easy for the youngsters to be at their best around him on and off the pitch.

Pirates have been on an upward trajectory this season – so much so that they are tipped to challenge for a quadruple come the end of the campaign.

They’ve already won the MTN8, while they are second in the Premiership table, in the CAF Champions League quarter-final and will face Richards Bay in the Nedbank Cup last 32.

Their qualification for the continental showpiece last eight came with a game to spare as they’ve won three matches and drawn two in Group C.

The Sea Robbers will be in action in Cairo on Saturday (6pm kick-off) to face Al Ahly in the last game of the group stage, and Makhaula insists that’s their focus – not the trophies or titles for now.

“We just have to take it as one game at a time,” the midfielder said. “I don’t want to put pressure on the guys. We just want to take it one game at a time.

“We are not going to win all the games. But we’ll try to reach whatever goals that we want as a team and club Orlando Pirates.”

Makhaula has been one of the cornerstones of this Pirates team, covering the hard yards and forming the link between defence and attack.

His reliability has proven to be crucial in the team organisation. And that’s a relief for him, given the fact that he didn’t think he’ll be one of the first names coach Jose Riveiro writes in the starting Xl.

“I think the timing for me (to join the club) was perfect, even though I felt like coming here, I wasn’t going to play,” said Makhaula, 35, after joining his childhood club in his 30s.

Mabhakinya Emzuliswaneni Olandelayo 🇿🇦🚀#TotalEnergiesCAFCL pic.twitter.com/jR0HAMguje
— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) January 12, 2025

“I think the spirit that has helped me a lot pushed me. I didn’t come here just to add numbers. I came here to win trophies and help the youngsters.

“I think the timing was right – there were youngsters that were coming up. God has always created this path. I am enjoying the moment, and with the club that I love.”

Indeed, Pirates’ young troops have grown in leaps and bounds under Makhaula’s big-brother guidance, and some have gone on to be national treasures in recent months.

Relebohile Mofokeng, 20, is a key member of Bafana Bafana after defying his age to show maturity, including helping the Buccaneers win the last two cups respectively.

“I think the youngsters are not giving us problems, since they are young. They listen to the older guys, whatever we tell them,” Makhaula said.

“I am happy that they always want to learn. They come to the seniors, and say ‘Cash, we want to learn, and how can I do this?’. We then sit down with them.

“They are youngsters who respect the senior guys. That’s why you’ll never find them in the things that are happening in the streets. So, we are managing them very well.

“The coach and the management of the club are also helping us to guide them. So, I think they are on the right track. They must keep it up!”

☠️ ⏪️ 𝗬𝗔𝗗𝗛𝗖𝗧𝗔𝗠 ⏪️

🎤 Patrick Maswanganyi
🆚 CR Belouizdad
🏟 Orlando Stadium
🗓️ 12 January 2025

⚫️⚪️🔴⭐️#OrlandoPirates #OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/0NVP8SOSrG
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) January 14, 2025

Thalente Mbatha is one of the players who has fed off Makhaula’s spirit, with the duo having reunited at Pirates after first linking up at the defunct Highlands Park.

“I think he’s going far. I am with his progress,” Makhaula said of Mbatha’s growth. “We called each other, checked up on each other, and analysed our games when we played for different teams.

“Our bond is good, because he’s a boy that is really disciplined. He always wants to listen. When I retire, I want to leave him with a big legacy.” | Independent Media Sport