Maela hopes to cap Pirates’ fine season with Nedbank Cup trophy

In his first season as Orlando Pirates captain, Innocent Maela will lead the team onto the field to play in a cup final for the second time on Saturday.

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And the 30-year-old defender says he feels privileged. Pirates take on Sekhukhune United in the Nedbank Cup final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

Maela was installed as captain of the Buccaneers at the beginning of the season after the departure of Happy Jele.

He has been with the club since 2017, but has only won two trophies with the Buccaneers, the MTN8 in 2020 and this season.

But, this season has granted the club the chance to lift another trophy in the Ke Yona Cup, with Maela as the captain.

Maela feels proud to be skipper of the club heading into the Nedbank Cup final against Babina Noko after experiencing lifting the Wafa-Wafa trophy earlier this season.

“I’ve been with Orlando Pirates for a long time now. And when I’m sitting at home reflecting on the journey that I’ve been through with the club, it is a proud moment.

“But right now it is all about the team and I want all of us to be happy at the end of the day,” said Maela ahead of the match.

“As the leader and captain of the group, I just want my brothers to be joyful and enjoy every
moment.”

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Maela says preparations for this game have been all about anticipating every scenario.

Pirates have already met Sekhukhune twice this term, losing 2-0 away and playing to a 1-1 draw at home, but Maela says this weekend’s tie is very different as there is a trophy at stake.

“We will prepare for a team that comes at us (attack) since it’s a cup final.

“But we will also prepare for a team that will sit back and try to play on the counter-attack.

But right now, the focus throughout the week is on our mental toughness to make sure we are ready to compete and win the match,” he added.