Maela not confident Pirates can win league
Player focused on improving self
In his first full season in the Absa Premiership, Orlando Pirates leftback Innocent Maela admits that he did not foresee his side challenging for the league after finishing outside of the top eight in the previous campaign. Last season Maela enjoyed a successful loan spell in the National First Division (NFD), helping Thanda Royal Zulu gain automatic promotion, while Pirates endured one of their worst seasons ever as they finished 11th. His impressive form in the NFD forced Pirates to recall him. Maela is expected to play his second official Soweto derby when Pirates face Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Saturday (3.30pm).
The defender feels mental stability will play a pivotal role in the bragging rights’ fixture against Amakhosi.
“In big matches like this, we have to be mentally fit and be very smart. We are up for the challenge and prepared for whatever Chiefs throw at us,” noted Maela.
The lad from Witbank, Mpumalanga, has set his sights on playing for Bafana Bafana but feels he’s not yet ready for the national team.
“I would like to represent Bafana but I do not think I am ready as yet. There are still a lot of things I must work on. I need to work harder and play even better, especially improve on my defensive responsibility,” stated the player who has featured in 17 league games this season.
Despite being second on the log table and trailing leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by only four points, Maela dismisses the talk of the club’s chances to win the league.
“I do not think we have a chance of winning the league,” he said.