REPORT: Pirates secure AmaZulu star ‘effective immediately’
January 31, 2023

During this January window, Pirates confirmed the signing of highly-regarded Cameroonian striker Souaibou Marou, and it was always going to be interesting to see what other business the Buccaneers concluded during the January transfer window.

In another major development, SABC Sport reported that AmaZulu skipper Makhehleni Makhaula had agreed personal terms on a pre-contract with Pirates. It was suggested that with no clear indications from AmaZulu in terms of discussing an improved contract, Pirates swooped in to secure the somewhat surprise signing of the 33-year-old midfielder.

Leading journalist Mazola Molefe then further reported that AmaZulu would consider immediately releasing Makhaula to Pirates “subject to a fee”, with the experienced playmaker currently recovering from an injury.

The early release has now been confirmed on deadline day.

AmaZulu Football Club have reached an agreement with Orlando Pirates for the release of club captain and midfielder, Makhehleni Makhaula which takes effect in the current transfer window.

In a statement, club president Sandile Zungu commended the experienced midfielder’s professionalism since joining Usuthu two and a half years ago.

“Makhaula leaves with our full blessings. He has served the club very well as captain and was the recipient of the President’s and the player’s player of the year awards two seasons ago with merit,” said Zungu.

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In other news that was confirmed on Tuesday, Pirates confirm that the club had reached an agreement with SuperSport United for the services of Zakhele Lepasa, who will join Matsatsantsa on loan for the rest of the season.

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Makhehleni Makhaula AmaZulu Pirates
Makhehleni Makhaula. Photo: Gavin Barker/BackpagePix

In other interesting news that you may have missed, former Orlando Pirates defender Happy Jele could reportedly be in line for an interesting new role with the Buccaneers.

A statement at that time revealed that Jele was asked to seriously consider a non-playing role after extensive meetings, but the former captain subsequently insisted that he wanted to continue playing “beyond the 2021/2022 season”.

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However, Pirates ultimately decided that they couldn’t agree to a continued role in the playing squad, and bid farewell to Jele. The veteran parted ways with Pirates last year, bringing an end to an illustrious career that spanned 16 years and included over 400 appearances since 2006.

Yet Goal.com now reports “on good authority” that Jele is once again negotiating with Orlando Pirates regarding a non-playing position at the club.

“Talks between the two parties are still in the early stages,” the source told GOAL. “He is seriously considering hanging up his boots and serving the club that he loves in any capacity.  It is unclear at this stage what kind of position he will be offered by the club. But everything will be clear as talks progress.”

Jele had won two league titles, two Nedbank Cups, a Telkom Knockout competition and been part of three MTN8 title successes, but couldn’t settle at a new club after parting ways with Pirates.

It will now be very interesting to see whether a return to Pirates could eventuate in some capacity or another.

Source: https://www.thesouthafrican.com/sport/soccer/psl-south-africa/pirates-secure-amazulu-star-makhehleni-makhaula-effective-immediately-breaking-31-january-2023/

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