Many see Mike Makaab as a football agent and forget that he was at the helm of Orlando Pirates as head coach to players who have long retired from the game. Makaab took Soccer Laduma down memory lane to speak about his time as head coach of the Buccaneers and explains why he will forever be grateful to chairman Dr Irvin Khoza for changing the course of his life.
The season
It was 3rd of March 1994. At a rough guess, I was there for about a year-and-a-half. I was a rookie coach when I joined. My first real professional stint was with Manning Rangers the year before, so it was my second year in the professional topflight of South Africa.
How the deal happened
I was the managing director of a big independent construction company in South Africa. I had a little career as a football coach. I played top amateur football and then I played in the equivalent of the NFD. At 27, I got an injury and never played again. Clive Barker said I should consider coaching. I coached in the amateur ranks with different teams and caught the attention of a few clubs. I got offered a job at Manning Rangers and took them to the top eight for the first time in their history and to the Bob Save final, but we were eliminated from the final without kicking a ball. There was an objection from Witbank Spurs on an improperly registered player in our team and we were thrown out and Witbank Spurs went on to beat Chiefs in the final. The following season, we had a pretty good start and Pirates had a disastrous start. They were in 10th place, and I got a call from Lawrence Ngubane to say Dr Khoza would like to offer you the head coaching position at Pirates. I sold the shares I owned in the (construction) company, and my family supported me. That's how I started. My first home was the Braamfontein Hotel.
First day on the job
I was introduced to the team, and I think they were surprised. I don't think too many people expected me to get the Orlando Pirates. We spoke about our common goals. My first discussion with them was that the only way we are going to be successful was to be honest with each other. The most important thing, in any team, is that the honesty must transcend into every aspect of the team dynamic. Players must be accountable to each other and tell each other off.
Who was in the team
I can remember the whole team. We played a 4-3-3, which I think was way ahead of its time because everybody used to play a 4-4-2. The preferred starting line-up was William Okpara in goal. We had a flat four of Eddie Motale at left back, Gavin Lane and Mark Fish in central defence and Oupa Mabuza at right back. We played Linda Buthelezi in front of the back four and you can call them two 10s or two 8s - John Moeti and Innocent Mncwango. The three upfront were Helman Mkhalele on the left, Etienne Nsunda on the right and Marks Maponyane upfront. They were a group of players who were determined to turn the fortunes of the club around. They wanted to create a future for them. There were other players like Brandon Silent, Aubrey Lekwane, Eugene Zwane, Mandla Zwane, Bruce Ramokgadi. We can never forget that in the following year, we signed Jerry Sikhosana and Mark Batchelor. There were many others who played a role in the success.
My assistant coach
My other assistant coach was Sherperd Murape. He left in 1995, but he was with me when we won the league in 1994. I was blessed to have a group of people around me who gave me support. Sherperd Murape was replaced by the late Ronald Mkandawire. What a wonderful coach and a wonderful human being. He took the team to the Champions League final in Abidjan after I left, and we all know that history was made. I never had a goalkeeper coach. We used to do the goalkeeper coaching.
Who was your captain and why
Marks Maponyane was the captain in 1994, because of his experienced, leadership qualities and the respect amongst his peers.
Relationship with the chairman
One thing about Dr Khoza is that he supported us. I brought in a guy called Kevin Stevenson who would deal with the biokinetics. He was my fitness trainer and we used to set out our periodization. I remember when I told the boss that I want to bring in Kevin and he said 'please don't bring these westernized ideas into an institution like Pirates'. He was serious, but I asked him to support me and, honestly, we were the fittest team in the league. We scored most of our goals in the second half and hardly conceded any in the second half. We had analysts who would sit in the stands, and they would record defensive headers and could tell that the opposition's attacks were more on the left than the right. We did it manually, unlike today.
Difficult conversation with the chairman
I had to sit with the chairman and tell him that we needed to cut the squad because it was too big. I had to cut some legendary players, one of which was Bashin Mahlangu. The supporters were very unhappy, but you've got to be strong enough to make those decisions and the chairman, to his credit, supported me. But the most difficult conversation related to the late and great Botsotso Makhanya. I just felt that there was a time, although he was a talent, he was a little disruptive. He was a wonderful player, but I felt the type of football we wanted to play did not suit him. We had a sensitive and tense discussion and I said we could not afford any disruptions in the team.
The success
We formed a strong bond and we agreed that we would never discuss money, but we would discuss what success would do both for the club and all the players as individuals. Almost all of them bought into it and, as you know, the team won the league in 1994 and it was the first time in 19 years that Pirates won the league. In 1995 we became the champions of Iwisa Spectacular. In those days, there was the Sparletta Cup, between the champion amateur - the one below the NFD - against Pirates. We won that competition. We were runners up in the Coca Cola Cup, losing to Wits University. I left before the team won the Champions League. That same group of players went on to win the (CAF) Super Cup. That group of 94/95 were top class. People talk about the double treble team being the best ever, but I still believe the 94/95 team was the best that Pirates produced. I say that in tongue and cheek.
Best thing about the job
I loved working with the chairman. He is a strong man, and he understands what he wants, but what really impressed me was his intelligence and passion for the club. I have never seen that sort of passion in my life. He was a visionary, and we were honest with each other. Also, I absolutely loved the supporters, and they truly loved me.
Worst thing about the job
Like any big job, the pressure that comes with it. Thankfully, we did not lose to many games. We had a formidable team. Irrespective of the success and confidence you have, there will always be pressure and sometimes it can be unnerving.
Who picked the team?
I can categorically state that, not once, did he or anyone interfere with my team selection. Not once. I would discuss with the team manager and my assistant coaches, and we would present the team to the chairman. Not once did he ever question my decision. It was not a must to present it to him, but I just wanted that because the chairman and board of the club deserve respect.
Player I was unable to sign
To be honest, in the 1995 season, we signed Jerry, Wade du Plessis, Mark Batchelor, Vincent Sokhela, Phiri Tsotetsi and Marcus Mphafudi. All top-class talented players. We were blessed in that period that it was easy to attract players to Orlando Pirates. The set-up, I think, was the best.
Most memorable Soweto Derby
Let's talk about the game that was abandoned. It was my first derby where sadly there were crazy scenes at the stadium and the game was called off. But I have memorable moments in the derby. I think I played four derbies and won all four. In those days, when you played at Soccer City, there was no integration of supporters. So, you would walk down the tunnel and then behind you, and on the left-hand side, were Chiefs supporters. As you walked down the tunnel, the abuse was hurled at you, and you understood that it was going to happen. But, as you emerged onto the field, Pirates supporters were directly opposite and on the right-hand side as well. I actually get goosebumps when I think about it. It was breathtaking.
Toughest moment
It was leaving my family. That was incredibly difficult for me.
Last day on the job
It was a sad day. We had been beaten by Jomo Cosmos in the 94th minute. You must understand that, in 1995, there was no such thing as the FIFA calendar. When you had players selected for Bafana, your game was postponed. So, at one stage, we had to catch up seven games in the league. It took a toll on the players and people say I was crazy (to leave) because we were within a few steps of the Champions League final and winning it. Of course, that was not an easy decision to make. We were beaten by Cosmos, and I went back to reflect. I felt that, at that point, I was not able to give my heart and soul any longer to the club. I had to come home. I will never forget sitting in the chairman's office and he asked 'are you sure about this'. I said 'I'd like you to remember me as someone who gave heart and soul to this club and I cannot do that anymore'.
Any regrets?
No, none, whatsoever. We have wonderful memories. People ask if I don't regret not taking the team to the Champions League final. Definitely not, because at the end of the day, it could not have been represented by a human being in Ronald Mkandawire.
How the job opened opportunities
I was at AmaZulu for two years - one year as coach and another as general manager. As you know, Bafana Bafana won the AFCON (Africa Cup of Nations) in 1996 and I was blessed to be one of the advisors to Clive Barker. I had only four or five years in the NSL, but they were five incredible years. I often say that today I am doing what I am passionate about. Those two years at Pirates, which culminated in me being involved in the national team, really set the stage for me to be able to do what I am doing today because never saw me as anything other than a football coach. When I spoke to clubs and players, I was accepted. I can say the chairman changed the course of my life and, for that, I will be eternally grateful.
