Former Orlando Pirates legend is expected to join the technical team

Orlando Pirates are expected to announce the return of a club legend for the new season albeit in a non-playing capacity, as part of the several changes taking place at the Soweto giants.

After more than 10 years since leaving the Buccaneers where he was one of the top players, Joseph ‘Duku Duku’ Makhanya is expected to return to the club, according to sources, with the 40-year-old set to make a sensational return to Pirates.

Indications from sources close to Bucs are that Makhanya is earmarked for a coaching role in the club’s DStv Diski Challenge team where he is expected to contribute to the development of the club’s up and coming stars.

Makhanya himself is a product of the Pirates development structures, where he and several ex-Bucs stars came through the ranks under the guidance of renowned youth coach Augusto Palacios

As reported by the Siya crew, Pirates have already roped in veteran goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands to their development as a goalkeeper coach, following the expiry of his playing contract at the end of the 2021/22 season, and Makhanya is expected to be next in line for a new role.

Happy Jele, who recently parted ways with Pirates after 16 years, turned down a non-playing role which he was offered by the club.

Attempts were made by the Siya crew to get a comment from Bucs regarding Makhanya’s imminent return, however, were unsuccessful the time of publishing.