Makhehlene Makhaula Retirement: Orlando Pirates Veteran Weighs Exit as PSL Title Beckons
Orlando Pirates Legend Makhehlene Makhaula Hints at Retirement as League Glory Beckons
Veteran Orlando Pirates midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula, 36, weighs retirement as the Buccaneers close in on the PSL title. Will a league crown be the fairytale farewell to his decorated career?
Introduction: The Final Chapter of a Glittering Career?
The sun may be setting on one of the most respected careers in South African football. Makhehlene Makhaula, the Orlando Pirates midfield enforcer, has openly admitted that he is considering hanging up his boots at the end of the current season—specifically if the Buccaneers secure the elusive league title .
At 36 years old, Makhaula has won almost everything domestically. From MTN8 crowns to Nedbank Cup glory, his cabinet is full. Yet, the one prize that has escaped his grasp throughout a nomadic career is the Premier Soccer League (PSL) championship.
LINK: https://www.psl.co.za/
As Orlando Pirates stand on the verge of ending their league drought, Makhaula faces a poignant decision: retire at the absolute peak, or chase one more season.
“Only God knows. I’m always praying because my wish is the league. We will see, maybe this season it can happen.”
— Makhehlene Makhaula
Makhehlene Makhaula: The “Unsung Hero” of the Bucs Engine Room
Bio & Playing Style
Known for his physical presence, tactical discipline, and ability to break up opposition play, Makhaula has been the shield in front of the Pirates defense. While he rarely makes headlines for flashy goals, his contributions in the 2025/26 season have been vital. He has featured in 10 league matches this season, amassing 694 minutes of action and providing a crucial defensive anchor .
His resurgence comes after the injury to Sihle Ndluli late last year, which opened the door for the veteran to re-establish himself under coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
Trophy Cabinet (At A Glance)
Makhaula’s desire for the league title is driven by the fact that he has already secured almost every cup competition available:
- Nedbank Cup: Winner (x3 – 2017/18, 2022/23, 2023/24)
- MTN 8: Winner (x2 – 2023/24, 2024/25)
- PSL Runner-up: (x3 – 2020/21, 2022/23, 2023/24)
Orlando Pirates’ 2026 Title Charge: The Final Hurdle
The Buccaneers are currently locked in a tense, two-horse race with defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns . According to coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, the message in the dressing room is simple: win the remaining games.
After a chaotic 1-1 draw with Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby in front of 88,120 fans, Pirates know they cannot afford any more slip-ups . Chiefs captain Brandon Petersen denied that his side was trying to “spoil” Pirates’ party, but the dropped points have left the door slightly ajar for Sundowns .
The “Treble” Incentive
Makhaula’s potential retirement party coincides with a historic moment for his coach. Abdeslam Ouaddou is just two wins away from becoming the first PSL coach to win a Treble in his debut season .
Ouaddou has already secured the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout Cup this season . If he guides Pirates to the league title, he will have eclipsed the success of his predecessor, Jose Riveiro, who won five trophies but never the league .
The Moroccan tactician remains calm under pressure, recently stating:
“A lot of people were speaking about the fact that we lost the title. But as long as mathematically you can reach this target, you just have to play.”
What Retirement Would Mean for Pirates
If Makhaula retires immediately after the final whistle of the last game, Orlando Pirates will lose a massive voice in the locker room. However, his departure would signal a changing of the guard in the midfield, paving the way for younger stars to step up.
The “Competitive Animal”
Makhaula recently revealed that his longevity is down to the young guns at the club refusing to let him rest.
“I think the young guys always want to challenge me each and every time, even during training. When I try to take things easy, they always come hard at me.”
This competitive spirit has kept him sharp well into his late 30s, with statistics showing he has maintained a high work rate in the 2025/26 campaign .
The Road to Glory: Pirates’ Remaining Fixtures
According to the PSL schedule, Pirates face a straightforward path on paper, but the pressure is immense. The title will likely be decided by goal difference or a final-day decider.
| Fixture | Venue | Prediction Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Magesi FC (Away) | New Peter Mokaba Stadium | Medium |
| Durban City FC (Home) | Orlando Stadium | Medium-High |
| Orbit College FC (Away) | TBC | High |
Winning all remaining matches guarantees the trophy, regardless of what Sundowns do .
What’s Next for Makhaula?
While the player remains coy, the signs point toward a fairytale ending. Retiring as a league champion with Orlando Pirates would allow Makhaula to walk away from the game with his head held high, having finally silenced the one criticism in his resume: the lack of a championship medal.
For now, the veteran focuses on the task at hand, leaving the decision to “God.”
“It would be a dream come true. When you go to other teams, they don’t even try to fight for the league, but with big teams you must always compete for trophies. Big teams are always fighting for something.”
Final Thoughts
The 2025/26 Betway Premiership season is shaping up to be a historic one. For Makhehlene Makhaula, it represents a final shot at immortality. For Orlando Pirates, it is the chance to end a long wait for domestic dominance.
If the veteran midfielder lifts the trophy in the coming weeks, don’t be surprised if he lays down his sword right there on the podium—a perfect ending for a gladiator of the South African game.