Maela Opens Up About His Lack Of Game Time
Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela has opened up about his lack of game time in the Buccaneers as he’s been sidelined for many games this season.
Despite being the captain, the last game that Maela started was in October against Stellenbosch in the final of the MTN 8 at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The former Thanda Royal Zulu captain has seen his coach Jose Riveiro start with the Namibian winger Deon Hotto in Maela’s left-back position and things have been made worse with the return of Paseka Mako.
However, ahead of the Buccaneers’ game against Stade d’Abidjan on Saturday (18:00), Maela revealed that he is not complaining that he is not getting a game time because the club is doing well.
“The team is doing well obviously and all of us want to be in the field to play, contribute, and help the team but at the end, only 11 players can start and only have five substitutions,” Maela said.
“But we respect the coach, we respect his decisions. You also speak about the captaincy, I always say the team is blessed to have so many leaders and captains.
“If the team is doing well, there are no complaints because from us is to work hard and support the lads because, at the end of the season, we must make sure we all achieve our goals and objectives.”
As Maela keeps on watching, the captain armband is worn by Nkosinathi Sibisi, Olisa Ndah, and Tapelo Xoki.
As Saturday will be the first game for the Buccaneers in 2025, Maela understands they are coming from festive but his teammates are ready for this game.
“I think from us it’s not challenging at all because we are professionals, we know how to behave on and off the field. I have to be honest, we are very lucky to have this group of players and going through this run with the disciplined,” Pirates captain added.
“The brotherhood we have in our camp is amazing and I think it helps us going to such matches. I think with this team and this group we are very focused on our objectives and our goals.
“I think we’ve shown before and I think we will go ahead and enjoy this game. I think we are prepared and we are focused on this game, and the team has been training very well. We just looking forward to keep going and playing these important matches.”
