Orlando Pirates legend is offered a shock new role as his contract nears the end.
The Bucs have reportedly offered long-serving captain Innocent Maela a new role within the club, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season. According to trusted South African journalist Sinethemba Makonco, the Buccaneers may not extend the veteran defender’s playing deal.
Maela, a product of the Pirates’ youth academy, rose through the junior ranks before heading out on loan to Thanda Royal Zulu. There, he played a pivotal role in the club’s promotion to the Betway Premiership, an early sign of his leadership on the field.
207 appearances and a legacy of silverware
Since making his senior debut in October 2017 against Golden Arrows, Maela has become a mainstay in Pirates history. He reached the 200-match milestone in September 2024 during a clash with Chippa United and now stands at 207 appearances in the famous black and white shirt.
Though once a regular for Bafana Bafana, the left-back has seen his international career stall. However, his legacy at club level remains intact. Maela has scored six goals in Pirates colours, including a memorable strike against rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the iconic Soweto Derby.
Over his tenure, he lifted two Nedbank Cups, four MTN8 titles, and finished league runner-up four times, solidifying his place among the club’s modern legends.
Reduced minutes signal end of Pirates era
At 32, Maela has featured for just over 280 minutes this season, as the Buccaneers juggled five competitions. With his on-pitch contributions dwindling. The club appears ready to transition him into a new, yet unspecified role off the field.
While the details of his future duties remain under wraps, insiders suggest Maela may hang up his boots if he accepts the offer. It’s a fitting next chapter for a player who’s worn the Pirates badge with pride for over a decade.
“The club captain may not be renewing his contract,” source confirmed the story. “But a new role has been offered to keep him within the Pirates family.”
Stay tuned with The South African as the Orlando Pirates legend is offered a shock new role.
What should Maela do, continue playing elsewhere or retire and take up this new role?
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