Innocent Maela backs Orlando Pirates for more domestic glory this season

Orlando Pirates have hit a rich vein of domestic form, and former captain Innocent Maela believes the current squad has everything required to achieve something significant this season.

The Buccaneers reinforced their reputation as South Africa’s cup specialists by lifting the MTN8 title earlier in the campaign — their fourth consecutive triumph in the competition. They have since advanced to the Carling Knockout final, a trophy they have not won in more than a decade, setting up a showdown with Marumo Gallants next month.

Despite the arrival of more than ten new faces in the off-season, Pirates have never looked lost or uncertain. Instead, they settled into Abdeslam Ouaddou’s rhythm with surprising ease, as though the blueprint had been waiting for them long before he arrived, with their story unfolding exactly as it should.

Maela, who captained the side last season during their push for the league title, says the team looks far more energised and complete this time around. While last year’s campaign faded late, he feels the current squad has the depth and drive to sustain a stronger challenge.

“The way things are going so far, you can see the positives,” Maela said.

“We already have won a trophy this season, and we are gunning for a second one — we are into the final already. We are still in contention for the league, and there is also the Nedbank Cup that is still going to come.

“It’s more than possible this season to go all the way. Pirates look really strong in the league because of the depth they have, and the quality in the squad and how they are executing game plans in matches gives us confidence that this is our season and the league could be won.”

Maela emphasised that Pirates must keep themselves in the title picture deep into the season — something they struggled to do last term.

“Everyone wants to be in contention in the last few matches, and I believe this squad this season can make it happen. And I know that some players have not gotten game time, but they must keep pushing. With the team that we have and the quality in the squad, we are going all the way.”

Pressure is an unavoidable part of the head coach role at Pirates, with expectations for immediate results regardless of circumstances. After opening the league campaign with two defeats, concerns briefly arose among supporters — especially with Ouaddou succeeding popular former coach Jose Riveiro. 

However, the team’s subsequent resurgence, aside from their Champions League exit, has reassured Maela, who says the club’s recruitment has once again proved spot on and they go into the final of the Carling Knockout with every chance to win it.

“At Orlando Pirates the recruitment process is the best,” Maela continued.

“Every time they bring someone, we always have belief in that person, and it’s the same with coach Ouaddou. He is showing everyone his capabilities and quality, and you can see through how the team is gelling and how they are playing.

“We will go to Polokwane with the belief that we will win the trophy, and the guys know because they have been winning trophies non-stop, and they know how to approach such matches.”