A lot expected by Bucs faithful from promising Makudubela
MAHLATSE Makudubela showed a lot of promise from his days as a youngster in the Mamelodi Sundowns development team.
He’s quick and skilful but his career has not taken off yet. Glimpses of the brilliance we saw at Platinum Stars and Golden Arrows now have to be transformed into consistent performances for his new club, Orlando Pirates.
With so much competition at Pirates, 26year-old Makudubela has to take every opportunity he gets from coach Muhsin Ertugral. Pirates had been chasing Makudubela before he was loaned out to Arrows by Stars last season.
They finally have their man who has been given the number 23 which was used by former Pirates’ speedy winger Tlou Segolela.
Makudubela did quite well in a friendly match against Platinum Stars last Saturday in Moruleng, giving Bucs the width they need on the right flank.
“It feels good to be at Pirates. I am looking forward to a great season with the team. I am not here to add numbers.
“I want to help the team win silverware. It’s healthy competition for places and I am going to embrace it,” Makudubela said.
“This is one of the biggest clubs on the continent and playing with great players like Oupa Manyisa and Mpho Makola will help me grow as a footballer. I will help the team go forward. We all know what’s expected of us and we are going to work hard.”
Pirates’ first official game of the season is against Makudubela’s former club Arrows at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday.
Newly-signed players Riyaad Norodien and Bernard Morrison could miss the match through injury. So Ertugral might look to Makudubela as an option to start on one of the wings.