Makhaula who joined Pirates from Amazulu in the latest DSTV Premiership transfer window in January was handed his starting XI debut against Swallows FC on Friday night as Pirates thrashed their arch-rivals 4-1 at the Dobsonville Stadium.

The 33 year old midfielder who has brought about a healthy competition in the middle of the park for the Buccaneers started ahead of Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo as Riviero made four changes to the starting XI that lost to Amakhosi.

With his incredible strength and endurance on and off the ball, Makhaula had a great starting XI debut alongside Miguel Timm.

His exceptional performance on the night was evident to all, much to the delight of his coach who continued to heap praises on the midfield maestro.

"I am happy with how he has settled in at the club, he is one of our key and important players because he has brought balance and stability in the midfield, we always try to make sure that we keep our balance in the midfield and he is one player that understands the importance of that tactical approach," Riviero said.

Pirates were exceptional on the night with star player Monnapule Saleng rising to the occasion with a man of the match performance for his hat-trick and assist in the build up towards the Buccaneers second goal.

"We need security in the central corridor and our midfielders gave us the security to not feel the threat in transitions, I think Makhaula played a very important role in making sure we achieve that and I am happy at how our centre backs and central midfielders were organised and in control of the game," Riviero added.

Makhaula will hope to continue with his fine form when the Buccaneers welcome Venda Football Academy in the last 16 of the Nedbank Cup on Saturday at the Orlando Stadium.

With an avalanche of midfielders at Riviero's disposal, Pirates are one of the difficult teams to break in the DSTV Premiership especially when it comes to transitional football and also very difficult to defend when they are on the offensive.