Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela has given his teammates Thalente Mbatha and Relebohile Mofokeng a solid message and a clear reminder after they both came on to change the game for Bafana Bafana against Uganda on Friday.
Both Mbatha and Mofokeng came on in the second half when Bafana were 2-1 down to Uganda in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Cranes.
READ: Sono's Prediction On Broos' Bafana Future
Mbatha scored at the death to secure Bafana a valuable point in the Group K clash at Orlando Stadium, while Mofokeng had some good touches as the hosts kept on pushing for an equaliser.
After watching his teammates play a key role in the team's comeback, Maela gave them a message to take forward in their careers.
Maela, who has tons of experience playing for the national team, was at the official opening of the multipurpose sports court at Job Rathebe Junior Secondary School in Soweto, powered by Nedbank as well as the Sports Trust.
"We are so proud of them, but my message to them is to say that this is only the beginning. They must look forward now with confidence and believe that they belong in that space," Maela said to media.
READ: 11 Days To PSL To Transfer Deadline: Players Set To Move?
"They must just keep on improving, stay humble and hopefully they get to achieve many more caps and achieve big things with the national team."
