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,” said Makhaula.
“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 says it is exciting to reach another cup final, especially with a squad that features many new players. The veteran midfielder added that he has a strong feeling they will come out with the victory on the day.
“It’s really exciting to go to another final with a different group,” he added.
“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.”