Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has termed midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula a model professional that the rest of his squad needs to learn from.
Makhaula put in a man of the match display as Pirates edged out Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 in the Soweto derby on Saturday, playing a key role in the win.
The 35-year-old was everywhere across the pitch and sniffed out any danger from Chiefs with his superb tackling helping provide the back four with the right defensive cover.
Why is Riveiro impressed by Makhaula?
Such has been his importance to Pirates that the midfielder has sat out just two of their 27 games this season and Riveiro has explained why he rates him so highly.
“Makhaula, I think his performance speaks about the moment he’s going through, I’m sorry… I don’t speak about individuals,” said Riveiro when asked about the midfielder.
“His performance is talking volumes, he’s a proper professional, I think you can imagine, he is working so hard, he’s pushing himself and everyone around to have this mentality that is taking us to the space we’re in right now – he was crucial… [in the derby win].”
Veteran midfielder carries himself well
Makhaula has carried himself well since joining Pirates from AmaZulu in January 2023. He was the captain at Usuthu and even though he does not wear the armband at Pirates, he continues to lead by example.
The midfielder rarely makes a wrong tackle and also stays away from trouble even though the position he plays in demands some combativeness at times.
He has also kept himself in good shape to be able to play two to three days a week without getting injured and Pirates hope to benefit from his quality for the rest of the campaign as they challenge on multiple fronts.
