Orlando Pirates hardman Makhehleni Makhaula says he knew that it was going to be a struggle to break in at the Soweto giants last season because it was already a functioning team.
Makhaula was signed by Pirates in the second half of last term from AmaZulu, having been on the losing side to the same Bucs in the MTN8 final in November last year.
The former Free State Stars vice-captain was already left with a six months contract with Usuthu and the best way possible was for them to cash in for ‘Cash’, as it was clear he was not interested to renew his contract.
As he joined Pirates, leaving a gaping hole to Usuthu, Makhaula found Pirates’ machine already moving, adding the Nedbank Cup trophy in May along with second place finish in the DStv Premiership.
“You can’t come to someone’s house and dish for yourself,” argued Makhaula with a laugh.
“So you come and there are already people doing well. I came when the team was doing well and whatever minutes I got I was grateful.
“The coach believed in me and he gave me the chance to have a few starts. So I don’t see anything wrong in the six months I have been here, it has been good and I showed the coach he can trust me.”
But Makhaula knew that the playing time was not going to be given on the silver platter at the Bucs.
“I knew I had to fight for my place,” he said. “Then I got it, I grabbed it and that is why I’m still here today.”
With Pirates, Makhaula will be involved in the CAF Champions League, but it is something that he is familiar with.
He was part of the Usuthu side in the 2021/22 season that made history to reach the Champions League group stages, but could not progress to the knockout stages.
With Pirates, that is not a goal, but to go deeper in the tournament.
Makhaula says his experience and blending that with some players at Pirates, who are familiar with it, will be a huge victory when the competition starts.
“It meant a lot to play in the Champions League with AmaZulu and I think Pirates have some experienced guys here who have played in this cup before,” said Makhaula of Pirates, who lost the Confed Cup final in 2022.
“Some of the guys know what is happening in the Champions League and I think we will guide those young ones or those who are new in this stage of the Champions League.”
Pirates will start the Champions League against Djabal Club of Comoros in the early rounds later this month.
They will kick off the 2023/24 season against Stellenbosch FC at Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday (20:00).
