Orlando Pirates skipper Innocent Maela might not see game time for quite a while. Here are all the details.
Pirates have a new exciting left-back prospect which makes skipper Innocent Maela’s long-term future pretty unclear.
“Soon after Thursday’s first training session for 2025, the Buccaneers‘ social media account shared images of the players on the grass at the Rand Stadium training base. One of the faces was former Orbit College left-back Yanga Madiba, aged 23. With Deon Hotto turning 35 this year, Orlando Pirates are clearly developing Mabida as a possible successor at number three. Meanwhile, Paseko Mako has been back from injury to compete with Hotto, while Innocent Maela continues to struggle for game time.”
Kermit Erasmus comes home after Pirates exit
According to iDiski Times, Kermit Erasmus has found a new club in the Mother City after being released by {irates seven months ago after a second stint with the Sea Robbers.
“Former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns striker Kermit Erasmus is closing in on a move to Chippa United. Erasmus, 34, has been a free agent since leaving Pirates before the beginning of the current season. This publication has since established that he has been training with the Chilli Boys and was with them before they faced Kaizer Chiefs as they narrowly lost 1-0. There are already talks between Erasmus’ camp and Chippa as they aim to boost their striking department with experience. With Kwanele Kopo stepping down as the head coach, it remains unclear if that will have an impact on the talks, with United set to return to training on 3 January 2025 and will hope that the deal with Erasmus is sealed by then”
Next SIX tests for Jose Riveiro’s men
The Sea Robbers are next in action against Ivorian outfit Stade d’Abidjan in the Caf Champions League on Saturday 4 January. A win in that group clash would take them closer to qualification for the knockout stages of Africa’s premier club competition.
- Pirates vs Stade d’Abidjan: 04 January, 18:00
- Cape Town City vs Pirates: 08 January, 19:30
- Pirates vs Belouizdad: 12 January, 15:00
- Al Ahly vs Pirates: 18 January, 18:00
- Royal AM vs Pirates: 22 January, 19:30
- Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs: 01 February, 15:30
Does Maela still have a future at the club?
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