Orlando Pirates title race: Makhehleni Makhaula on squad depth and title ambitions

There was a time not too long ago when Orlando Pirates were spoken of as brave challengers, a side capable of pushing the champions but ultimately falling short when the race tightened. 

Two seasons on, that narrative has shifted. The Buccaneers are no longer chasing shadows — they are setting the pace. Heading into Wednesday’s top-of-the-table clash against Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium, Pirates sit six points clear.

It is a position built not on hype, but on continuity, depth and a growing sense of belief within the dressing room.

For veteran midfielder Makhehleni Makhaula, now in his third season with the club, the shift has been gradual but deliberate. Having finished second twice behind Sundowns under José Riveiro, Pirates have finally learned what it takes to turn promise into authority.

“I think the depth of the players we have now (is one of the factors), the club brought in the right players at the start of the season,” Makhaula explained.

Last season, Pirates competed on multiple fronts with a squad stretched thin. The margin for error was slim, and fatigue crept in as the business end of the campaign arrived. This time, the picture looks very different.

“I think last season we were thin in terms of numbers and quality so we weren’t able to rotate in the right way,” he said. “But now you can see that if I’m not around, Masindi (Nemtajela) will do the job and the same goes for Sipho Mbule.”

That internal competition has raised standards across the board. From central midfield to the backline, Pirates are no longer reliant on a fixed core. 

Young defenders are being trusted, attacking combinations are fluid, and the drop-off from starter to replacement has narrowed significantly.

“At the back as well, we have youngsters players who are very talented,” Makhaula added. “Going forward we also have fantastic combinations in the attacking line.”

Beyond personnel, there has been a clear tactical evolution under Abdeslam Ouaddou, whose influence has sharpened Pirates’ edge at crucial moments of matches. Makhaula revealed a simple but ruthless principle shaping their performances.

“Coach Ouaddou has also instilled a ‘first 15 minutes or 30 minutes’ policy where we go for the kill,” he said. “Because that could potentially decide the game as well as the final 15 minutes.”

The results have been telling. Pirates are scoring earlier, controlling matches more effectively, and finishing stronger — hallmarks of champions.

Makhaula is also realistic about the context of this season’s title race. Sundowns, though not at their imperious best, remain a formidable benchmark.

“Yes, it’s true they’re not at their best but they are still winning,” he cautioned. “Once they get their groove, it’s going to become difficult.”

That awareness is driving Pirates’ urgency. For Makhaula, this is a window that cannot be wasted.

“We have to capitalise on this moment,” he said. “If one struggles then another must rise and that’s what we’re doing.”

From contenders to favourites, Pirates now carry expectation. The challenge is no longer belief — it is sustaining it. The experience of Makhaula will be essential as Pirates nagivated back-to-back league games against Sundowns and their arch rivals Kaizer Chiefs on the next weekend with a Nedbank Cup detour in between against Casric Stars on Saturday. 

The expectations surrounding the Sea Robbers camp is also at an all-time high with their cult following turning the Orlando Amstel Arena into one of the most feared venues to visit for any club.

* Smiso Msomi is Independent Media's senior football reporter and host of the Monday Review on our YouTube channel The Clutch