Orlando Pirates midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula has explained the challenge of being a veteran competing against younger players in South Africa’s Betway Premiership.
The Bucs' 35-year-old defensive stalwart said this while reflecting on his Man of the Match performance Saturday's 1-0 win over Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.
"I am really happy. God is great. I was the oldest in the derby. I am 35 then I am playing with the youngsters so this pushed me. It motivates me to work even harder," he explained.
Pirates coach Jose Riveiro also lauded the bearded midfielder as very professional and hardworking. The Happy People have only conceded 9 goals in the 19 matches Makhaula has started in league play, cup competitions and the CAF Champions League
"I think his performance speaks about the moments. I think his performance is talking volumes about him … he's a proper professional," Riveiro told SuperSport Television.
Pirates would once again turn to the defensive abilities of Makhaula in the next league game away against Sekhukhune United. After featuring mostly as a depth or rotational option over the past few seasons with Pirates and AmaZulu, Makhaula has become a key piece in Riveiro's plans while earning universal praise from Buccaneers supporters and Betway Premiership observers.
The Spaniard's charges lie in second place, six points in front of fourth-placed Sekhukhune and six points behind league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns with one less match played.
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