Head coach Jose Riveiro has reserved special praise for an Orlando Pirates star whom the Spaniard believes is blossoming into a 'complete' player.
The Buccaneers ended the season with a 1-1 draw against SuperSport United at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
The home side had opened the scoring through Tshegofatso Mabasa, before Trevor Moralo levelled matters in the second half to see the game end in a stalemate.
READ | Riveiro weighs in on Mabasa future
Stellenbosch FC's defeat to Richards Bay meant the point would be enough for Pirates to secure a second-spot finish and qualification to the CAF Champions League.
While Mabasa, whose goal was a 16th of the season and saw him edge out Iqraam Rayners' 14 goals, would walk away with most of the spotlight, Riveiro reserved special mention for a little less praised player in the team.
"He has an important role for us," Riveiro responded when asked by KickOff.com about Makhehlene Makhaula's influence.
"I think everyone knows Makhaula. He's been the type of player that he is for Pirates, maybe little by little [he is becoming] more complete also.
"Maybe he was labelled a defensive midfielder before, but now he is trying to be more complete and is helping us a lot with and without the ball.
"He is an honest player, a true professional and an important player in the group. One of our senior players, and when Makhaula is performing well, it's usually a symptom that the team is doing well.
"So, I'm happy for him because, like I said, he also deserves some attention from you guys (media)."
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The 34-year-old has made 18 appearances in his second season with the Sea Robbers, having joined in the middle of last season. He started six of Pirates' last 10 matches of the league campaign.
Meanwhile, the midfielder's current deal with the Soweto giants is set to expire at the end of the season.
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