Orlando Pirates recently released this player following his legendary stint at the Bucs. Now, he is back.
Orlando Pirates recently released FOUR players.
Former club captain, Innocent Maela joined Miguel Timm, Thabiso Monyane and Paseka Mako out of Mayfairs door. However, Maela is far from done with the Bucs as he is back in Mayfair. He is set to take up a new role with the Bucs.
BUCS LEGEND RETURNS TO PIRATES IN A NEW ROLE
A few weeks ago, Maela’s playing contract came to an end.
Furthermore, it was not renewed. Meaning, his playing days at Pirates are over.
However, that does not mean he has cut ties with the Bucs – at all. In fact, the Bucs legend is already back at Mayfair working with Pirates. He was part of a group of Pirates legends that welcomed their new signings to the club
“Club legends including Tebogo Moloi, Edward Motale, and former captains Lucky Lekgwathi, Happy Jele, and Innocent Maela officially welcomed the new players into the Pirates family,” Pirates confirmed in an official statement.
So, it is clear that he remains a part of the club and that he will not be playing for them next season.
MAELA TRANSITIONING INTO NEW BUCS ROLE
Furtherore, reports claim that he has made peace with the fact that he is no longer a Bucs player.
Additionally, he is preparing for a new role at Pirates.
“While the club has not officially confirmed Maela’s retirement or outlined his new position, multiple insiders suggest that the veteran has made peace with the idea of hanging up his boots and is eager to continue serving the team in a different capacity,” the insider stated on SNL.
“He’s always been a leader, calm, disciplined, and passionate about the badge,” a source close to the club revealed. “This transition was a natural step. He still has so much to offer, especially when it comes to helping the next generation understand the culture and expectations at Pirates,” he added.
Therefore, he is in the process of transitioning into a new role. One that will involve helping to develope the future Bucs stars. However, his new role has not been confirmed yet.
Finally, new head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou must appoint a new Pirates captain following Maela’s departure.
The favourites to wear the Bucs captaincy armband next season are Tapelo Xoki and Nkosinathi Sibisi.
WHICH ROLE SHOULD MAELA BE GIVEN WITH THE BUCS? WHO SHOULD REPLACE HIM AS THE NEXT PIRATES CAPTAIN?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211
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