Orlando Pirates skipper says goodbye with 208 games, six trophies

Great servant to the club.

May 29, 2025 - 04:00
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Orlando Pirates skipper says goodbye with 208 games, six trophies

Orlando Pirates gave outgoing skipper Innocent Maela one last goodbye in their Betway Premiership clash with Magesi.

Orlando Pirates say goodbye to Maela

Innocent Maela enjoyed a rare start as Pirates were held 1-1 by Magesi in their final league clash. It was Maela’s swansong appearance after which he got a standing ovation and sendoff by the home fans. Patrick Maswanganyi opened the scoring for the Buccaneers in the 7th minute, and Zimbabwean veteran Edmore Chirambare equalised for the visitors on 32 minutes.

Maela leaves with a solid legacy

The 32-year-old was a bit-part player in his swansong season after falling down the pecking order in defence. Always praised for his versatility, Maela could seamlessly operate at left-back or in the heart of defence. In 2024-2025, however, opportunities were limited. The man with 15 Bafana caps ends his playing career with Pirates but could take up a role within the club’s structures. In just under eight years, he made 208 appearances, winning six trophies.

innocent maela orlando pirates
Maela leads Pirates out of the Orlando Stadium tunnel. Image: @orlandopirates/X

What are your best Maela memories?

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