Mako: The three pillars separating Pirates and Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs’ seasoned defender, Paseka Mako, has offered a glimpse into the internal dynamics of South Africa’s most famous rivalry, pinpointing the specific cultural shifts he encountered after trading the black and white of Orlando Pirates for the gold and black of Naturena.

Addressing the media at the Kaizer Chiefs Village on Monday, Mako cut a disciplined and focused figure. The 31-year-old’s insights come at a critical juncture as the Glamour Boys finalise their strategy for the Betway Premiership’s resumption following the 2025 AFCON break.

The By Chiefs and Mako Mission: Chasing the Frontrunners

Chiefs return to the pitch this Tuesday night (19:30) at FNB Stadium, welcoming a formidable Golden Arrows side. For Amakhosi, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Currently trailing pacesetters Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, a victory against Abafana Bes’thende is non-negotiable if they hope to remain in the title conversation.

While Mako was respectful of the challenge Arrows poses—labelling them a “good and strong” unit—the spotlight remained firmly on his guarded yet revealing comparison of the Soweto giants.
Crossing the Soweto Divide

Mako’s move to Naturena in July 2025 alongside Thabiso Monyane placed him in an exclusive bracket of players who have dared to “cross the floor.” While his debut season was marred by a frustrating injury layoff—limiting him to just nine appearances—the left-back is now fully recovered and ready to leave his mark.

When asked what truly separates the two institutions, Mako identified three core differences:

• A Different Mentality: A hyper-focus on a collective winning drive.
• The Emotional Support Structure: An environment where coaches and teammates actively “lift” players during slumps.
• The Naturena Culture: A unique, lived experience within the Village that differs from the atmosphere at Parktown.

“Coming from that side [Pirates] to this side [Chiefs], the difference is that the guys here have a winning mentality,” Mako noted as quoted by FARPost. “They encourage you when you are down—even the coaches—and the culture of the team is just different. I would say that is the main contrast.”

No Room for Nostalgia

Despite the magnitude of the move, Mako is firmly looking through the windshield rather than the rearview mirror. While admitting the transition was “hard,” he made it clear that his loyalty is now singular.

“My focus is now entirely on Kaizer Chiefs. I don’t want to revisit the past; my main goal is to help this club move forward and return to the pinnacle of South African football by winning trophies,” Mako concluded.

With the league restart just hours away, the Amakhosi faithful will be hoping that Mako’s appreciation for the “Chiefs mentality” translates into three points on Tuesday night.