Innocent Maela – the Orlando Pirates defender and captain – has commented on the plans for the club for this year's MTN8.
The Buccaneers are the defending champions of the trophy, having won last season's competition against AmaZulu.
Read: Pirates Offer Lepasa New Contract?
Speaking at the 2023 MTN8 launch at SuperSport Studios in Johannesburg on Thursday, Maela said the aim for Bucs will be to defend the trophy.
"Another MTN8 campaign starting this season, we know that we have to go out there as a team and make sure that we perform to the best of our abilities. We are preparing really, really hard and as defending champions we know we need to be brave, courageous and give it our best shot," Maela said through the club's media department.
"It is pressure because we are the defending champions, that is the responsibility that we carry going into this new campaign. But we have to go out there, support each other, be united and make sure that we do well. As a team, as players it will mean a lot for us to be able to defend this trophy but our focus and energy is on our next match to make sure that we do well there and we keep marching on," he said.
Read – Wrapped In Cotton: Mshishi Opens Up On New Downs Role
Meanwhile, the Soweto giants have provided an update on some of the players who have been struggling with injuries.
Thembinkosi Lorch, Vincent Pule, Kermit Erasmus, Miguel Timm, Kabelo Dlamini and Katlego Otladisa are some of the players who missed the previous match against Royal AM due to injuries.
"Pirates have had a few minor injury worries early in the season, with key players such as Miguel Timm and Thembinkosi Lorch yet to feature this season, while new signing Katlego Otladisa sat out the home clash against Royal AM due to a knock picked up in the season opener. The trio is among those that could resume full training in the coming days, while the likes of Lesedi Kapinga and Karim Kamvuidi are inching closer to their respective Bucs debuts," Pirates have confirmed on the club's official website.
Open a tab account, it's easy and start betting on local and international soccer now!
You must be Sign In to read and post comments.
