What to expect from Makhaula at Orlando Pirates - Xoki

Makhaula joined Bucs from AmaZulu earlier his week, following in the footsteps of Xoki, who previously made the switch – ironically – after also donning the armband at Usuthu. 

Xoki says the former Free State Stars and Highlands Park hardman is going to be an asset to the Pirates dressing room.

"I've played with 'Kesh' recently, just a few months back, he was my leader there [at AmaZulu] – he brings leadership, hard steel, winning mentality, [and] he's a huge competitor as well," said Xoki.

"We're looking forward to working with him and integrating him with the team, and make sure that he settles in well and helps the team achieve its targets."

Xoki says this was not a move he was aware of, even though SABC Sport had earlier reported about the 33-year-old Makhaula having already signed a pre-contract with the Buccaneers last month.

"For me, I only got to see the news [on Wednesday] and then I congratulated him, knowing it's possible I would see him [at training]," he insisted.

"I'm not so much into social media, so sometimes I miss the news and the rumours, but when I saw the announcement, that's when I knew it was official. 

"Sometimes you don't want to play into rumours because there's a lot [said], 'This one is going, this one is coming.' So, you don't want to get into that mind games of not focusing on what you have to do, while looking at those headlines and stuff."