Local lad dreams big
A Norwood resident, Mpho Makola, who is playing for one of the Soweto giants in football circles Orlando Pirates, is dreaming big as he is confident that his team will lift the only remaining trophy this season, Nedbank Cup.
Norwood resident and Orlando Pirates player, Mpho Makola is confident his team will lift the Nedbank Cup.
Makola said he had made peace with the fact that Pirates were out of the race for the league title and now he has set his eyes on the remaining knockout competition. The Buccaneers will play Maritzburg United in the semifinal of the cup. “I don’t think there’s anybody out there that wants this more than we do,” he said. “We know it won’t be easy, but everybody has a part to play and I’m ready to do mine if given a chance again,” he said.
Born in Groblersdal, a farming town in Mpumalanga, and growing up in Alexandra, Makola is a good example to youngsters as he proved that a poor background was not necessarily a deterrent to a bright future.
The 27-year-old spent time at Kaizer Chiefs and Bidvest Wits’ junior teams before getting his big break with Free State Stars, making his professional debut in the 2008/09 season.
He started 67 games, scoring eight goals for Free State Stars before making the move to Orlando Pirates at the start of the 2012/13 season.
A humble and people’s person, Makola helps youngsters in Norwood with soccer skills and organises the Mpho Makola annual festive tournament in his hometown.
His neighbour, Venita Masisi described Makola as a good player who always give back to the community. Masisi said, “He is always smiling, has a good heart and he is also a good motivator for local kids, they also want to be like him.”
