AmaZulu captain Makhehleni Makhaula set to join Pirates

The Usuthu midfielder is understood to have already agreed personal terms with the Soweto giants and is now poised to make the biggest switch of his football career on a pre-agreement after his current club delayed negotiations.

Indications are that Makhaula had been waiting for AmaZulu to open talks regarding an improved offer for him to continue to play for the Durban outfit having joined them from the now defunct Highlands Park in 2020. 

But with no movement from their end, Pirates are understood to have swooped in to tie him down on a pre-contract, meaning he is now set to join the Buccaneers from 1 July. 

When asked if Makhaula, at any point, rejected a new deal from AmaZulu before the decision to enter discussions with Pirates, president Sandile Zungu refused to elaborate and rather referred SABC Sport to the player’s agent. 

“His agent is Sizwe Ntshangase. He is better placed to give you insights,” the Usuthu boss replied to our question. 

Ntshangase was not available for comment even after several attempts. 

It’s the third successive season AmaZulu are set to lose a big player on a pre-contract to a Soweto club after first failing to tie down left back Sibusiso Mabiliso and midfielder Siyethemba Sithebe, who both joined Kaizer Chiefs. 

Makhaula is the latest player expected to do the same despite being a key figure over the last three seasons and so far featuring in 13 of their 17 ongoing DStv Premiership games, missing the bulk due to or for fear of suspension.