Makhehleni Makhaula’s CAF Champions League experience rubs off on his younger teammates
19th April 2025
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The most experienced player in the Orlando Pirates CAF Champions League campaign this season, Makhehleni “Cash” Makhaula, is proud to have seen his younger teammates, in particular, grow as the tournament progresses.
Coming to this season’s Champions League, Makhaula and vice-captain Tapelo Xoki, were the only players with group stages experience within the squad in this tournament.
The campaign has seen youngsters like Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota and Mbekezeli Mbokazi rising to the occasion.
As they prepare to face Egyptian log leaders Pyramids FC in the first leg of the semifinals today, Makhaula talks more about his role.
''I am really proud of the youngsters we brought in this CAF, they don't have much experience but they really fought. It is only me who has been playing CAF but they have really grown from this experience. I always support the guys and tell them that it doesn't have to look pretty. You score two goals, then defend and catch them on transitions,'' said Makhaula.
Xoki only started playing in the group stages this season towards the end, after having recovered from a long-term injury.
Captain Innocent Maela also expressed his happiness about how the team has grown together during this tournament.
''When we started, we acknowledged that we are a new group, a young group - dealing with new experiences. But now we are in a good position, we have played games under intense environments and we have grown from those experiences. When we started, not a lot of players had CAF experience, but we have done well and want to show the experience we have gained. Like the coach said, we have worked to be here and we just have to enjoy the journey and play to the best of our abilities,'' said Maela.
Pyramids have been among the most impressive teams in the Champions League’s group stages and knockout phase.
Makhaula says they have also identified their strengths, using more width in the offensive areas...
''Obviously, we have been preparing since Monday and the guys have been pushing very hard. We are ready for the team we are playing against. These teams always try to play with the wings and I think we have dealt with them well. We have a plan and we are ready for anything that is coming,'' added Makhaula.
Currently three points clear of Al Ahly in the Egyptian Premier League, after 17 matches played, they have also been clinical in the Champions League, having scored 16 goals in their last eight matches.
Bucs midfielder Kabelo Dlamini says the Egyptians are stronger offensively and more direct.
Meanwhile, the outgoing Bucs coach Jose Riveiro, who is looking to become only the second Pirates coach after the late Ronald Mkhandawire (Zambia), to lift this trophy, only looks at how his team’s tactical discipline has improved throughout this campaign.
