Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Mpho Makola has explained his decision to bring familiar faces from his playing days into his ambitious Via Sports project, following the club’s recent acquisition of ABC Motsepe League status.
Makola, alongside business partner Tshepo Mabona, purchased the status to ensure Via Sports compete in South Africa’s third tier after narrowly missing out on promotion via the national playoffs, despite winning the SAFA Gauteng regional league. The move, which involved acquiring the status of JBM FC, was described by Makola as a step aimed at accelerating the club’s growth rather than standing still for another season.
With Via Sports already five matches into the 2025/26 campaign, Makola has strengthened his squad by signing former Pirates defenders Ntsikelelo Nyauza and Tshepo Gumede, both of whom he believes will add vital experience to a youthful team. Gumede joined as a free agent after leaving Cape Town Spurs, while Nyauza most recently turned out for JDR Stars before the club sold its status to Leicesterford City FC.
According to Makola, the duo were brought in not only for their defensive qualities but also for their leadership, with the former Pirates stalwart stressing that their experience at the highest level can help guide younger players as Via Sports push for promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship.