Makhaula says reduced load without Champions League may shape league title race

Pirates currently find themselves third on the log and four points behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, going into this weekend’s games. 

Last season, Pirates went all the way to the Champions League semifinals and also challenged for the league title. 

Makhaula says this season they stand a much better chance.

"I think now it makes a really huge difference because I think playing CAF and obviously we wanted to play CAF but it happens and I think it gives us time again to prepare because now we have five days to prepare,” Makhaula said. 

“So, I think this thing it's gonna help us also to recover and to be on the necks of people who are on top just like the ones who are on top of us also, so it really helps."

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Last season, Pirates finished 12 points behind Sundowns and 13 points ahead of third-placed Stellenbosch FC. 

But this season, the race is tighter with Kaizer Chiefs currently second, two points behind the Brazilians after 15 games played for both teams. 

Makhaula says the state of the league race, as things stand, paints a different picture altogether.

"I think this season it's really tough because I think from number five, anything can happen and it's nice to know that there is someone on your neck that always wants to bite you,” he added.

“So, you don't have to relax, you just have to always focus and always make sure that we don't concede and make sure that the Moremi's [Tshepang] are always on their toes, they don't sleep because they are still young, they need experienced players and stuff. 

“So, it's gonna be a nice race because no one is gonna win it the way it's been happening in the past years."