Maela Plays Down Possible Historic MTN8 Victory
Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela has downplayed the possibility of winning a three-peat of the MTN8 title, despite admitting that the opportunity of leaving a legacy is inspiring.
On Saturday, the Buccaneers will take on a formidable Stellenbosch FC in the MTN8 final at a sold-out Moses Mabhida Stadium, aiming to become the first club in South African football history to win the competition three successive times.
Jose Riveiro’s charges saw off Amazulu and Mamelodi Sundowns in their previous two triumphs in the top eight competition at the same venue. They will now seek to clinch their fifth domestic trophy under the Spanish mentor. However, the Bucs skipper attributes their recent victories to the preparations and efforts the technical team and the players put ahead of their encounters.
“I think it’s true that we’ve got good moments playing at Moses Mabhida Stadium, but we don’t believe that it’s superstition. We approach the matches to win and play in a certain way and I think that helps us a lot.”
Furthermore, Maela has urged all the supporters to come out in numbers for the much-anticipated showdown at Durban, with Stellies proving to be a difficult side to overcome in recent times, especially after booking their place in the final at the expense of Mamelodi Sundowns.
“Durban has always been good to us and hopefully this coming Saturday it will be the same, but we also have to give credit to our supporters in Durban they always come out in numbers, and they push us and give us the competitive edge.
“You want to get the result so that everybody goes home happy. You can tell that these people really care about the club, and as a footballer representing this big brand you also know what you have to do – you have to demand more of yourself.”
Despite relishing the chance to create history, the Pirates captain insists that the focus remains on reigning supreme and defending their crown this coming weekend. “Every time we have an opportunity to make history or leave a legacy it should be inspiring, [but] at this moment preparing for the final this week, like I said the focus is mainly on our training sessions and how we prepare for the match.
“When you have the opportunity to leave a legacy, it makes you want to push more. But this is not at the top of our heads. It’s just for us to train well, do what we always do for all the other matches, and pay attention to detail.”
If Pirates come out victorious on Saturday, this will be Maela’s fourth MTN8 title.
