DONE AND DUSTED: Joseph Makhanya confirms his next destination after leaving Orlando Pirates

Joseph Makhanya Breaks Silence After Orlando Pirates Exit: What’s Next for the Bucs Legend?

Former Orlando Pirates development coach Joseph “Duku Duku” Makhanya is back in the spotlight following his departure from the club’s feeder team, Pele Pele FC, with fresh attention turning to his future in South African football.

Makhanya, a respected figure in the Buccaneers’ development structures, was redeployed to Pele Pele FC in September 2025 after previously working with the club’s DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) team. His move to the Gauteng ABC Motsepe League outfit was viewed as an opportunity to continue nurturing young talent while helping the team pursue promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

However, his time with the feeder side has now come to an end, bringing another chapter of his coaching journey to a close.

The former Pirates midfielder built a reputation for identifying and developing promising youngsters during his time with the club’s reserve team. Several players who progressed through the development system, including Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, have gone on to attract attention at senior level.

His contribution to youth development has therefore remained an important part of his legacy at the Soweto giants.

According to recent reports, Makhanya has opened up about his whereabouts after leaving Pele Pele FC. His situation has attracted interest among supporters eager to learn whether he intends to continue coaching, return to another development role or pursue a different opportunity in the game.

Recent reports also indicate that Makhanya has remained connected to football discussions, particularly regarding the development of young players. In October 2026, he spoke about Pirates midfielder Simphiwe Masilela, explaining how the youngster’s versatility had been evident during his development years.

Masilela’s emergence highlights the value of the work Makhanya carried out before leaving the club’s development structure. The former coach has consistently emphasised the importance of preparing young footballers for senior football rather than concentrating solely on youth-team results.

During his previous spell with the DDC side, Makhanya helped lay the foundations for players who would later earn opportunities with the first team. His work was particularly important in a competitive environment where clubs increasingly depend on academy graduates to strengthen their squads.

Makhanya was not the only former Pirates figure to leave Pele Pele FC. Former Buccaneers midfielder Issa Sarr, who served as his assistant, also departed the feeder team. The reasons behind their exits have not been established.

Orlando Pirates have since moved forward with changes to their coaching structure. Vincent “Pep” Rammoni was reported to have taken charge of the club’s ABC Motsepe League team for the 2026/27 season, replacing Makhanya.

For now, the key question is what comes next for Makhanya. His experience as both a former professional footballer and a youth coach could make him a valuable figure for clubs seeking to strengthen their development programmes.

Although his departure from Pirates marks the end of an important chapter, his contribution to the growth of young South African footballers remains part of his coaching story.

Supporters will be watching closely for further information about his next professional move. Until a new appointment or detailed statement is confirmed, however, it would be premature to speculate about where he will work next.

Makhanya’s journey serves as a reminder that success in football is not measured only by trophies. For a development coach, preparing young players to succeed at the highest level can be an equally significant achievement.

Source https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2112200916547850546

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