Paseka Mako: Former Kaizer Chiefs Defender Questions Ex Orlando Pirates Star’s Impact at Amakhosi

• A former Kaizer Chiefs player has called out Paseka Mako concerning his impact since joining the club on a free transfer
• The former Orlando Pirates defender started the season well, but lost his place to another player in the second half of the campaign
• Mako was expected to be the first choice left back at Kaizer Chiefs, but he has been unable to keep his place in the team

Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Isaac Mabotsa has offered a blunt evaluation of Paseka Mako’s performances since his move from Orlando Pirates to Kaizer Chiefs at the start of the current season.

The South African international has featured in just 11 league matches so far and has gradually fallen out of favour as the campaign has progressed.

Speaking to KickOff, Mabotsa admitted he is unimpressed with what the defender has produced so far. In his view, Mako has not done enough to justify a regular place in the team.

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The former Chiefs player explained that although Mako was initially expected to establish himself as a first-choice left-back, he has not managed to convince the technical staff that he can be relied upon in that role long term.

Mako's competition with Bradley Cross

Competition in the Kaizer Chiefs defensive department has become more intense, with Bradley Cross apparently moving ahead of Mako in the pecking order.

Mabotsa noted that Mako’s failure to sustain his early-season form has contributed to him losing his starting position. He also acknowledged that the defender’s adaptation was disrupted by an arm injury picked up shortly after joining in 2025, which affected his rhythm in the squad.

According to Mabotsa, Mako began the season as the preferred option at left-back, but has since failed to maintain that status, with Cross now seemingly the favoured choice. He added that, in his assessment, Mako has not delivered enough performances to warrant consistent selection in the starting eleven.

Mabotsa further stated that the decision now rests with the coaching staff, who must evaluate whether the experienced defender still fits into their plans, especially given that he was signed for his leadership and experience but has not been playing regularly.

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Comparison with Mako's Orlando Pirates form

Concluding his comments, Mabotsa drew a comparison between Mako’s current struggles and the level he previously displayed at Orlando Pirates.

He also contrasted Mako’s output with the form of Thabiso Monyane, who has impressed at Pirates and is reportedly edging closer to a place in the Bafana Bafana setup ahead of the World Cup. In his view, Monyane is performing at a much higher level and even merits national team consideration.

Mabotsa ultimately argued that Mako’s performances have dipped significantly compared to his Pirates days, stating that he is no longer delivering the same consistent level that once defined his game.

Chiefs to battle Pirates for ex-Sundowns midfielder

Briefly News earlier reported that Kaizer Chiefs have joined the queue of top Premier Soccer League clubs interested in signing a South African midfielder in the summer

The former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder featured in over 20 matches in the Betway Premiership this season and has been rated as one of the best players for his club.

Source: Briefly News