Former Orlando Pirates development coach Joseph Makhanya says he is looking for his next coaching opportunity after leaving the club’s feeder side, Pele Pele FC, and remains proud of the players he has helped develop.
Makhanya, popularly known as ‘Dukuduku’, worked as an assistant coach to Andile Zulu at the Gauteng ABC Motsepe League outfit, alongside Issa Sarr, until the end of the 2024/25 season. He previously coached Pirates’ DStv Diski Challenge team.
With Zulu also departing ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, Makhanya has yet to secure a new position.
“I’m currently unattached, still looking, waiting for somebody who would find me useful. I would definitely love to go back into the scene and do what I love best,” he told KickOff.
Despite being out of coaching, Makhanya says seeing former players progress into professional football remains one of the most rewarding aspects of his career.
He reflected on his time at Kagiso Porto, where he worked with young players before joining Pirates. While watching Sunday’s Betway Premiership match between Siwelele and Polokwane City, he spotted two players he had helped develop.
Manelisi Mazibuko, whom Makhanya took to SuperSport’s development structures, is now in his second season as a professional. Thato Letshedi also worked his way through several clubs before joining Siwelele.
“It's a proud moment for me,” Makhanya said.
“As development coaches, when you sit and watch these games and you see players you've worked with, you become proud that I'm doing something right, I've changed somebody's life.”
Makhanya also revealed that he worked with former Kaizer Chiefs defender Aden McCarthy before the youngster joined the club’s development setup. McCarthy now plays for Sabah FK.
He also had a role in the development of Relebohile Mofokeng, who has gone on to establish himself as one of South African football’s prominent young talents.
“When you're sitting down and you're watching Champions League and there is Rele, you go, ‘Oh, I used to coach this player’,” Makhanya said.
He added that watching former players progress through the professional ranks, including those competing in the National First Division, reminds him of the impact he has made during his coaching career.
For now, Makhanya remains on the lookout for his next role, hoping to return to the touchline and continue working in player development.
