Orlando Pirates star brings up 200
A legend in your eyes?
Orlando Pirates skipper Innocent Maela brought up a special milestone in their 2-1 Betway Premiership win over Chippa.
Maela is 200 not out
Innocent Maela has reached 200 appearances for Orlando Pirates, reinforcing his status as a stalwart of the club. In his time with the Buccaneers, 32-year-old Maela has collected three MTN8 crowns and two Nedbank Cups. trophies since arriving from Richards Bay in 2017. Maela is, of course, the younger brother of Bafana legend Tsepo Masilela.
Pirates release Kapinga and Otladisa, exits are now up to 11
Lesedi Kapinga, once of Sundowns, has truly struggled to impose himself on the Pirates first team since moving there in July 2023. The 29-year-old is a three-time Betway Premiership winner but only featured in eight league matches for the Sea Robbers last term. The last time he reached double figures for league outings in a single season was 2020-2021 when he notched 12. He has four caps for Bafana Bafana. The ‘super sub’ tag has followed Kapinga for most of his top-flight career.
Bucs league charge is underway
Orlando Pirates have become cup specialists under Jose Riveiro but they’re desperate to clinch a first league crown since 2012 when they won their second Betway Premiership crown on the trot. They have a delayed start because of fixture congestion across MTN8 and Caf Champions League involvement but got off to a winning start by coming from behind to beat Chippa 2-1. The Pirates goals came via a first-half stoppage time penalty from Tshegofatso Mabasa and a late 95th-minute clincher from Monnapule Saleng. Those goals cancelled out a stunning volley by former Pirates man Andile Jali. The next three assignments are as follows:
- Pirates vs Polokwane City, Tuesday, 24 September, Orlando Stadium, 15:00
- Richards Bay vs Pirates, Sunday, 29 September, King Zwelithini Stadium, 15:00
- Pirates vs AmaZulu, Friday, 25 October, Orlando Stadium, 19:30
Will Pirates go all the way in 2024-2025?
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Orlando Pirates finished the 2023-2024 DStv Premiership campaign in second place, earning a spot in the 2024-2025 Caf Champions League. Jose Riveiro’s team also won two major honours, beating Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup and MTN8 finals. Riveiro’s mandate will be to dethrone Sundowns and deliver the first top-flight league title for the Buccaneers fans since 2012.