During and after Orlando Pirates' 4-2 win over AmaZulu, midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula took centre stage and caused a stir online!
Check it out.
What's the story?
Orlando Pirates progressed to the Nedbank Cup semi-finals with an emphatic 4-2 triumph over Amazulu in a thrilling Nedbank Cup quarter-final on Saturday.
One particular Pirates player, Makhehlene Makhaula, took centre stage online for his antics during the encounter, one of which the player explained to the club's website.
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Let's take a closer look...
Makhaula causes online stir
Makhehlene Makhaula is reborn under Jose Riveiro this season after his long injury layoff and was instrumental in his former side's exit from the Nedbank Cup over the weekend.
Makhaula scored Pirates' third in their 4-2 win over AmaZulu in a sold out Moses Mabhida Stadium, ensuring their progress to the Nedbank Cup semi-finals to face Chippa United.
In a pivotal moment, the 34-year-old midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula was brought down in the box by Taariq Fielies towards the end of the first half, causing the referee to point to the spot.
The penalty was taken by Patrick Maswanganyi and the first 45 minutes between the teams ended all square. Makhaula came under fire for seemingly going down too easily to draw a penalty against the team he used to captain.
Makhaula had more to say in the encounter later on, as he netted in the 82nd minute to all but confirm the win for the Sea Robbers.
To celebrate the goal, Makhaula sprinted the length of the pitch to embrace goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, only to be swiftly substituted due to exhaustion afterwards in what Pirates have described as a "heartwarming and comical" moment.
Makhaula shared the backstory of his celebration with Chaine on orlandopiratesfc.com: "Before the game, Chaine came to me and made a bold prediction that I would score. At the time, I didn't take it seriously, considering I hadn't scored in over eight years."
"So, when the moment arrived, the first person that came to mind was Chaine. I sprinted so hard but my body to betray me," he told his club's media team.
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Here's how social media reacted to Makhaula earning a penalty for Pirates and getting his first goal since joining them from Usuthu including a strong comment from Manzini Zungu, who was AmaZulu's director in the past.
You just have to feel for the coach he prepares the team…then a decision from a referee who wanted to be famous that changed the game. Makhaula was a proper tsotsi he was so determined to be a tsotsi. Sobohla manyosiAmaZulu deserves respect! ????Congratulations to Pirates pic.twitter.com/HN1JBYcvtW
— Manzini Zungu (@ManziniZungu_) April 14, 2024
Makhaula must not sprint the way he did seemingly that causes problems for him.
— ??????Gatsheni ?????? (@SiyaNdlovu91) April 14, 2024
No FIFA rule says Makhaula can't celebrate a goal against his former club??I mean even Dembele did it during the week, the difference is Makhaula won the game. pic.twitter.com/Hh0HP8WatT
— Lebogang?? (@LeboChomakae) April 13, 2024
This is a legit penalty. This is a game of small margins. Makhaula was indeed pulled https://t.co/1tGuyY0WMM
— Sgebengu so mfazi (@trevor_mnini) April 13, 2024
So much coaching taking place @orlandopirates. Look at the free-kick from KB that's a training ground stuff. Saleng assists Makhaula with another training ground stuff. The role that's being played by Mabasa to link-play with our attackers is evidenced in the 4th goal. pic.twitter.com/OEJjBHb1Hd
— I LOVE MY SON ?? (@03Nkosi) April 14, 2024
Makhehleni makhaula ????cleverke clever#OrlandoPirates
— podolski (@podolsk91663296) April 13, 2024
The circumference of his knee was behind Makhaula ....great decision pic.twitter.com/Lk9kYsPzzf
— #TheBucsAndTheBlues (@TK_the_Pirate) April 13, 2024
The whole circumference of the left hand was on Makhaula's left shoulder when the right one on his back, both hands that is... The defender was nowhere near the ball, but instead made an unlawful contact with Makhaula ????#NedbankCup2024 https://t.co/pple8uSmMz
— S'khalo_R???? (@Skhalo_Ram) April 13, 2024
I don’t agree with people who are saying Makheni Makhaula celebrated against his former club. he didn’t celebrate but he ran away??????????. pic.twitter.com/GJAIZnSzt5
— Mlungisi N (@Mlu__N7) April 14, 2024
Makhaula didn't care, he celebrated against his former club he captained. He loves us more.
— Trishaanovic' ??. (@Trishaan_M) April 13, 2024
That run by Makhaula after scoring was so hilarious. ?? ?? pic.twitter.com/tkec62Fpxo
— Levers not Livers (@VillageGuluva) April 13, 2024
When Themba Zwane did what Makhaula did he was called “experienced and masterful” pic.twitter.com/vGYenJVSnK
— ???????????? (@ZukzFranco) April 13, 2024
Makhaula we stand with you. It's just football a game of emotions.. You were doing your job. #NedbankCup2024 pic.twitter.com/G2peaEHycU
— Rodney (@Ron_YNWA) April 14, 2024
Life is unpredictable last year Ben Motshwari was at Pirates comforting Makhaula in a Cup Compatition with AmaZulu: This year Makhaula is at Orlando Pirates comforting Motshwari at AmaZulu ?? in another Cup Competition.. pic.twitter.com/sBrkwlRyDY
— Mr Ntsonda ?? (@oom_swanepoel) April 14, 2024
No one:Not a single soul:Makhaula:#NedbankCup #OrlandoPirates pic.twitter.com/W1uUDnDhko
— KANDAKOOL™ (@Kandakool) April 13, 2024
Makhaula ran straight to Chaine after scoring that goal???? pic.twitter.com/mYr57MQtYB
— Lorch’s wife???? (@DineoManamela1) April 13, 2024
That assist from Saleng to Makhaula is class!?????? what a game!!!!! #OrlandoPirates pic.twitter.com/VSeTXz7TYm
— DMN4ever?? (@DMN4ever) April 13, 2024
Considering the recent medical condition on Makhaula, Ekstein’s actions here were unsportsmanlike and uncalled for pic.twitter.com/yWn7GAgy1Z
— ???????????? (@ZukzFranco) April 13, 2024
It's football.. I guess he had forgotten which team he is playing against.. I see nothing wrong with what Makhaula Did.. pic.twitter.com/R6bVWXjJww
— Rodney (@Ron_YNWA) April 14, 2024
You just have to feel for the coach he prepares the team…then a decision from a referee who wanted to be famous that changed the game. Makhaula was a proper tsotsi he was so determined to be a tsotsi. Sobohla manyosiAmaZulu deserves respect! ????Congratulations to Pirates pic.twitter.com/HN1JBYcvtW
— Manzini Zungu (@ManziniZungu_) April 14, 2024
???????????????? ?????????????????????? ???????? ????????????Never a penalty in a million years is my take on it but whats shocking is the celebration by Makhehlene Makhaula. ??Reminds me of Luis Suarez."I love it when a plan comes together" described by the commentator. ??? pic.twitter.com/eTZZ7mGkTl
— Sahil Ebrahim (@sahil_e_) April 14, 2024
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