Now to tick trophy box
WINNING SILVERWARE WILL CAP PIRATES DEFENDER’S STEADY RISE
From captaining Thanda Royal Zulu, to a National First Division title win last year, to cementing a place at Orlando Pirates, to being nominated for one of the Premier Soccer League Awards and to earning himself a Bafana Bafana call-up, Innocent Meala has had a decent incline in his career, but he feels there is a void.
Maela said not winning a trophy in his first season at the Buccaneers leaves a big gap for him although, he is happy with his progress. He believes that Pirates are capable of big things and will be unstoppable next season.
“It was a good season for me personally and also for the team. I’m happy with how I managed in my first season but there is room for improvement,” said the 25-year-old defender.
“We didn’t achieve any tangible silverware but we achieved something which will now be a good platform for us going into next season,” he added.
“We can now win trophies. It is bad that we didn’t win anything. We have the talent and capability in the team to win big things. But we learnt a lot and it can only serve to help next season,” said Maela, who had to pull out of the Bafana squad for the Cosafa Cup this weekend with an injury.
Finishing second to Mamelodi Sundowns may not be an achievement to boast about for the Buccaneers fans but it guarantees the side some Champions League action next year, something Maela is already relishing.
“I am happy to play in the Champions League. Playing at stadiums I have never been to before will be like a dream for me. It provides new experiences. It shows we are growing. As players we have to test ourselves against the best and playing continental football is as best as you can get,” he said.
As young as he is, Maela understands that last season’s performances mean nothing now and he has to work even harder to ensure he keeps his place with competition likely to be tougher with new signings expected at Bucs.
“I just have to keep working my socks off.
“I have to show at every training session that I want to play and follow the instructions of the coaches because that’s what makes the team tick,” he said.