Maela’s other passion is talking
While most of his peers count public speaking as their biggest phobia, Orlando Pirates defender Innocent Maela enjoys taking centre stage in front of a live audience.
Many footballers in SA are not comfortable speaking in front of a crowd, with some in the past having been ridiculed on social media for their gaffes.
In contrast, Maela takes pride in his communication skills. “I think I have a hidden talent, public speaking is one of the things I enjoy the most,” Maela said.
“I usually go out to schools in Mpumalanga [especially] Witbank, where I come from, to motivate kids and even donate school shoes, calculators, etc.”
Maela says he lives a quiet lifestyle and is studying marketing at Boston City Campus.
“If am not playing football I am either at home with my family or I go to school,” said one of the heroes of the Soweto derby after scoring for Pirates in their 2-1 league win.
“I won’t play football forever and planning for life after football is important.”
The 26-year-old is proud to be part of the derby and represent his home town of Witbank. “It’s inspiring for people back home. It’s not just me but also Tsepo Masilela and Percy Tau. It is good that my home town is also known in the country.”