Orlando Pirates confirm the appointment of Maela as the new captain.

By Lehlohonolo Lehana.

Orlando Pirates left-back Innocent Maela has been appointed the captain of the Premier Soccer League side for the 2022/23 season after the departure of the long-serving Happy Jele. 

Pirates made an announcement this morning via twitter, with Goalkeeper Richard Ofori taking up the role of Vice-Captain.

The club has described Maela as a player who embodies the core values of the club. He inspires those around him and leads in an exemplary manner – on and off the field.

“Maela not only personifies these values, but he lives them. Throughout his football journey which spans over a ten-year period, the 29-year-old has been consistent; and never allowing a situation (good or bad) change his approach,” said the club.

“Starting as a youngster in the Clubs’ Academy ranks in 2012, Inno – as he is affectionately known, went on a five-year long journey away from the club where he went on to cut his teeth, first at Witbank Spurs and then Thanda Royal Zulu.”

“In 2017 – where he was captain, the left back led the KZN outfit to promotion to the Premiership. The following season, Maela was recalled to the club where he has since become a regular feature in the Club.”

After spending 16 years as a Buccaneer, following his promotion at 19 years of age, Jele’s playing career at the club came to an end this month.

The 35-year-old refused to take the club’s non-playing offer ahead of the new season, choosing to look elsewhere for playing options before hanging up his boots.

Jele left Pirates as a legend, given the fact that he played over 400 matches and won multiple trophies, including two league titles.

Maela has been at Pirates for five seasons. He won the MTN8 two seasons ago before playing in the CAF confederation Cup final last season where they lost to RS Berkane.

The 29-year-old is the younger brother of former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana defender Tsepo Masilela who has enjoyed a decorated career over the years.

Masilela, 37, has been a top professional. He’s stayed away from tabloids, while attracting attention by plying his trade in highly ranked leagues such as La Liga in Spain.

The Bucs have a new steward in town,José Riveiro, who was appointed this month after Mandla Ncikazi and Fadlu Davids failed to steer Pirates ship to steady waters last term.

Pirates finished sixth in the 2021/22 DStv Premiership, with only 10 wins from 30 games. They last won the Premiership in the 2011/12 season.

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