Orlando Pirates share worrying Makhehlene Makhaula update but insist the veteran midfielder 'is running'

Orlando Pirates made wholesale signings last season, and one of the players who has been impressive for the club is Sihle Nduli.

He has been occasionally partnered with Thalente Mbatha or Sipho Mbule, depending on the dynamics of the game, but on most occasions, he is the man shielding the defence.

The 30-year-old has been playing the role that was dominated by Makhehlene Makhaula last season.

The combative midfielder played 48 games for Bucs across all competitions last season under coach Jose Riveiro.

Bucs won MTN8, reached the CAF Champions League semi-final, finished second in the Premier Soccer League race, and lost to Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup final.

It underlined his effectiveness, of course, with the other midfielders in the team.

Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has confirmed there were setbacks regarding the player, but he is close to making a return.

“Makhaula is in a good way. He came back, but you know, when you have such a long-term injury, sometimes you come back and after that you still feel pain,” he told the media.

“So with the medical department, sometimes you don’t want to take a risk and lose him for a long time. 

"He came back, he felt pain, and now he is recovering again. I think he is close to coming back to training," Ouaddou continued.

"Now he is running, and I hope he will join us very soon because he is an important player for me.

“I was following him before. I love his character, I love his leadership, and he is definitely someone who can bring something to the team," he concluded.

The massive test awaiting Makhaula now is to prove he is good enough to get back into the first XI that is currently trusted by coach Ouaddou.

However, he might end up being a squad player if the former Morocco international feels his best days are behind him.