After finishing another season as runners-up, Orlando Pirates midfield hardman Makhehleni Makhaula has identified small teams as one of the main obstacles in their challenge for the PSL title.
The Buccaneers last claimed league honours in 2011/12 under Peruvian tactician Augusto Palacios, though they have won back-to-back MTN8 and Nedbank Cup titles these past two seasons.
With defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns currently going through a technical team restructuring, many, including Makhaula believe that they can take advantage of what’s transpiring at Chloorkop, and finally challenge for the league crown that has eluded them for over a decade now.
Though he sounded confident that they will turn it up a notch in 2024/25, the former industrious AmaZulu midfielder also noted one factor in their path.
“I think it’s for me, it’s only small teams man that make us not to challenge,” he said at the club’s kit launch.
“We tend to get maybe less concentrated in some other games but I’ve seen it in there in Spain. The guys [Pirates players] there are very focused.
“I think this year we gonna try by all means, and I think by the name that is at the back of my t-shirt, it will always show what are we fighting for.”
The 34-year-old had an improved 2023/24 campaign, featuring in 19 outings across all competitions with a single goal to his name.
