It appears a new chapter has quietly begun for Orlando Pirates stalwart Innocent Maela.
Having captained the team through some of its most memorable recent moments, Maela made a rare appearance in the final match of the 2024/25 season against Magesi FC in what sources say was his farewell as a player.
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The 32-year-old defender, who has been a steady presence in the club’s backline for years, is now believed to be transitioning into a non-playing role within the Buccaneers’ setup.
While the club has not officially confirmed Maela’s retirement or outlined his new position, multiple insiders suggest that the veteran has made peace with the idea of hanging up his boots and is eager to continue serving the team in a different capacity.
“He’s always been a leader, calm, disciplined, and passionate about the badge,” a source close to the club revealed. “This transition was a natural step. He still has so much to offer, especially when it comes to helping the next generation understand the culture and expectations at Pirates.”
Subtle confirmation of Maela’s evolving role came via Pirates’ official communication on Monday, in a statement published on their website that detailed the induction tour for the club’s newest signings.
The event, designed to instil the values and legacy of the Soweto giants, featured several legendary figures, including Maela himself.
“...Club legends including Tebogo Moloi, Edward Motale, and former captains Lucky Lekgwathi, Happy Jele, and Innocent Maela officially welcomed the new players into the Pirates family,” the statement read, placing Maela in the company of revered names whose legacies are firmly cemented in the club’s storied history.
The induction tour, which took the new players from Rand Stadium to the spiritual home of Pirates in Orlando East, and then to the Zodwa Khoza Foundation, served not only as a welcome but also as a lesson in heritage.
That Maela was chosen to represent the club during this symbolic event signals his growing influence off the pitch.
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For a player who joined Pirates at a young age and eventually captained the side, this move behind the scenes marks both an end and a beginning.
His deep understanding of the club’s ethos, coupled with the respect he commands in the dressing room, makes him an ideal candidate for a mentorship or development role, even if the exact title remains unconfirmed for now.
