Orlando Pirates midfielder Makhehleni Makhaula is facing an uncertain future with indications that he could be deemed surplus to requirements.
Makhaula will see his contract with the Soweto giants expire at the end of June 2023. However, Pirates have a one-year option on the player’s deal.
The Randfontein-born player has struggled to make the starting line up at Pirates since his arrival at the Sea Robbers in January 2023 from AmaZulu. He has been one of the notable absentees from the matchday squad and lineups.
The last PSL appearance that Makhaula made came on August 5 against Stellebosch FC, a game that he played only 12 minutes during a 1-0 defeat.
During the 2022/23 DStv Premiership campaign, the 33-year-old made only eight appearances under Jose Riveiro.
WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH MAKHEHLENI MAKHAULA AT PIRATES
“Makhehleni Makhaula’s future with Orlando Pirates is still unclear. The squad changes expected to take place at the club could affect the player. There are enough midfielders in the team, and Makhaula has been struggling for game time. ” said the source.
The former AmaZulu captain has made only three appearances from Pirates seven games to date. In the pecking order, he is behind the likes of Thabang Monare, Miguel Timm and Siphelo Baloni.
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The club has been making changes, and there are currently a lot of midfielders in the squad after the arrival of the likes of Siphelo Baloni, Patrick Maswanganyi, Karim Kimvuidi, Lesedi Kapinga and others.
After some changes made by the club since the end of last season and in the recent transfer window, Indications are that player movements are likely to continue at the Buccaneers at the end of the 2023/2024 campaign.
The midfielder, one of the best players during his time at AmaZulu, has been linked with a return to Usuthu and Sekhukhune United.
He has previously also played for Free State Stars and Highlands Park, among other clubs in his football career.