Orlando Pirates fans have a reason to cheer! Veteran midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula is poised to make his long-awaited return to the field. After being sidelined for six months due to an injury sustained in the Nedbank Cup final against Kaizer Chiefs back in May, the fan-favorite is now back in full training.
The 36-year-old (or 35-year-old, as mentioned in the article) has missed the entirety of the current season, a period during which his absence in the midfield was occasionally noticeable. However, the club’s acquisition of Sihle Nduli helped fill the gap.
Makhaula’s return is timely for coach Adeslam Ouaddou as the team faces a congested fixture schedule. With the coach already rotating players, it’s highly likely the experienced midfielder will be given a chance to feature this month. His availability is a boost for the Buccaneers, particularly as they prepare for a Carling Knockout Cup semi-final clash against Richards Bay this weekend.
What Makhaula Brings to the Pirates Midfield
The midfielder’s key attributes are expected to inject stability and strength into the squad:
- Leadership and experience
- Exceptional ball-winning ability
- Composure under pressure
Before his injury, Makhaula was a cornerstone of the Orlando Pirates midfield. His potential role under Ouaddou remains an intriguing question as the team enters a crucial period of the season.
Based on the article’s details, do you think Makhaula will make the squad for the Carling Knockout Cup semi-final this weekend?
