Share

Makola opens up about Chiefs exit

Cape Town - Orlando Pirates midfielder Mpho Makola admits he left Kaizer Chiefs as a youngster because of off-field problems that were of his own making.

Now 29, Makola was once considered a huge talent for the future and had youth spells with Chiefs, Wits and the Africa Youth Academy before joining Free State Stars as a professional in 2008.

He spent four years in Bloemfontein before joining Pirates in 2012 and provided more assists than any other player in the squad last season.

It has been a long road for the playmaker and he conceded things could have turned out very differently if he hadn't run into off-field problems as a youngster.

"I messed up at Chiefs. I played in the U13s, U15s and U17s. I played with Itumeleng Khune, Touch Mabaso and a lot of those guys," Makola told Soccer Laduma.

"When I was in the U17s, I started going off the rails and I didn't respect my football.

"I started doing the wrong things and I actually left Chiefs because, at that time, I wasn't playing regularly because of my misbehaviour off the field.

"I won't blame anyone. I could have made it to the first team if I had been disciplined enough," he concluded.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE