Maela won’t be unknown much longer
Man of the match showing in debut
Orlando Pirates left back Innocent Maela is such an unknown in football circles that few knew that he’s the brother of Kaizer Chiefs’ Tsepo Masilela.
So when he stepped onto the field against Chippa United at Orlando Stadium at the weekend, many were asking, “who is he?”
The 25-year-old – he celebrated his birthday on August 14 – did his talking in the field and delivered a man-of-thematch performance in the 1-0 win against the Chilli Boys. It was Maela’s cross that was headed in by striker Thamsanqa Gabuza in the first half.
Speaking after the match, Maela, who captained Thanda Royal Zulu to PSL promotion last season before returning to Pirates, explained his football background.
“I was at Thanda for three years [on loan from Pirates]. I spent five years in the NFD [National First Division], because I was also at Witbank Spurs,” said Maela, who is from Emalahleni, Mpumalanga as is his brother.
“It was very important for me to learn things in the NFD, grow stronger and be humble. When you are on loan, you get hungry and you want to go back to prove yourself. I got physically and mentally stronger, so I’m ready,” he continued.
Bucs’ development product is encouraged by the way his first match for the club went against Chippa.
“The coach [Milutin Sredojevic] believes in me and I had to go out there and not disappoint him, but I don’t want to talk about me. When you play with quality players, things become easier for you,” he said.
If his performance against Chippa is anything to go by, he could follow in his brother Tsepo’s footsteps and make his mark in the PSL as well as making more Bafana Bafana appearances after playing for the national team in the recent Cosafa Cup.
“Tsepo and I have the same father, just different mothers. So we are brothers. Obviously the bond wouldn’t be as strong, but we talk all the time. He’s my role model, my inspiration and I thank him so much.”