How forgotten Maela went on to be Bucs star
NFD loan helped hone defender
In just one season, Orlando Pirates left back Innocent Maela has made a big impression.
When he returned to Pirates from a loan spell at National First Division (NFD) side Thanda Royal Zulu, Bucs’ faithful didn’t bat an eyelid.
After 27 appearances in all competitions for the Buccaneers, he’s established himself as a regular.
Maela was at Thanda for five seasons and doubted, rightly so, that he would ever get his chance to don the famous black and white again, but made his breakthrough.
“I’m very proud of myself with all the hard work we’ve put in as a team and what I’ve put in individually,” said Maela, who was named prospect of the season at the club’s awards recently.
“I’ve put in extra work and made sacrifices to get to this point,” continued the lad nicknamed Deco.
“What I learned in the NFD that has helped my game is to be mentally strong. When you go through struggles and hardships, you learn to want it more than the person next to you. You make sure that when you get an opportunity, you make the most of it, because you know it doesn’t come easy.”
The Witbank-born defender has also been rewarded with a couple of Bafana Bafana callups.
“Everything happened in a space of seven months and I waited for five years [to play in the top flight],” he said.
For Bucs, the focus now shifts to next season and Maela has predicted the 2018/19 campaign could be theirs in terms of silverware.
“We told ourselves [last year] that in the next two years we need to win trophies. We need to leave an impact on SA football.”
The competition at left back
Despite his good season, Maela cannot afford to rest on his laurels. Here are his rivals for a starting berth:
Paseka Mako
Coming in from Chippa United, the 24-year-old will be hoping to hit the ground running and win a place in the team.
Phetso Maphanga
He also comes from Chippa and was signed in January. Maphanga, also 24, has made just four appearances for Bucs.
Thabo Matlaba
The 30-year-old was supposed to join Chippa, but has rejected the move and is ready to fight for his place. Matlaba can play in a few positions, but has always excelled at left back.