Orlando Pirates are ready to fight for the title, with Relebohile Mofokeng and Tshegofatso Mabasa leading the charge.
However, there are concerns surrounding club captain Innocent Maela as Jose Riveiro continues to select Deon Hotto over the 32-year-old defender.
If Maela’s sideline duties continue, history tells us that Riveiro could soon appoint a new club captain—someone whose form he can rely on and will be active week in and week out.
Manchester United’s Harry Maguire captaincy duties were terminated following months on the bench—the same could happen here.
Maele’s take on the situation
“I have been questioned a lot with people saying that what kind of captain who doesn’t play and who doesn’t get the opportunity to be in the field, how is he leading the team,” Maela told Pirates TV.
“People said I am only a captain for interviews, I only do press conferences, etc., but they don’t understand the kind of person I am. First, I need to clarify this. Since I started playing, I have always seen myself as a leader of this team, a leader of the group.
“So now, the only difference is that my teammates have voted for me to wear an arm belt. But how I lead myself and the group has always been the same because I always preach that we must put the team first regardless,” explained the experienced defender.
“I always understand what the coach wants from us as players and how the coach selects his starting eleven. However, yes, as a player you always want to be on the field, but I think I have grown, and I’m experienced enough to understand that if Deon Hotto wins, I win, if I win, Paseka Mako wins,” he continued.
“In the end, history does not remember who played how many matches, history will never forget that this certain player won five, or six trophies with Orlando Pirates.
“I always preach about humility, but I’m proud of myself because I feel like I have sacrificed myself, I placed myself backward so that other people can shine, and eventually, we all win.”
Mofokeng destined for Europe?
There’s plenty of speculation surrounding Mofokengs future with old coach and mentor, Mandla Qhogi, telling SoccerLaduma, “For me, it will be a good time for him to go overseas. It is the right time and there are things that he would learn if he were to move now at this stage of his career. The more we keep him this side it could mean that we are delaying him. He is 20, and I think it is the right time for him to move if he has to be sold overseas.”
He seems set to stay for the 2024/25 campaign, but that might not be the case for next season.
Who is Orlando Pirates’ best-ever captain?
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