READ: Al Ahly Planning Audacious Mofokeng Swoop?
With Maela's current contract reportedly set to expire in June 2025, indications are that the club is believed to have put contract renewal talks on hold as they consider the best solution, which could involve letting him leave.
"For now, talks about his new contract have been put on hold because the club is looking at the way out. That's why they have started monitoring Stellenbosch FC left back Fawaaz Basadien as his replacement. They know Hotto plays in that position but he is more of a winger than a left back. And now that Paseka Mako is back from injury he could be playing there and they apparently feel it's time to give Innocent a chance to find a new club where he can play more regularly. So his chances of staying longer at Pirates are very slim," a source informed Soccer Laduma.
READ: Agent Pours Cold Water On Mbatha's Overseas Interest
"You know, Pirates will always help you if you have been loyal to them the way Innocent has been. If he still wants to play and Pirates can't keep him they are willing to help him find a club as long as it's on a good note. And if he feels the time to hang up his boots has come whenever that is, they can find something for him to do at the club. So it's not all doom and groom for him as things stand," the source added.
Maela rejoined Pirates in 2017 after a successful loan spell at Thanda Royal Zulu, where he helped the club earn promotion to the Betway Premiership before they were sold to AmaZulu. The 32-year-old has been a regular for Pirates since then, taking over the captain's armband from Happy Jele. However, since last season, he has struggled for game-time, with Hotto often preferred at left-back. This season, Maela has only played three league games.
The Siya crew reached out to Maela's agent, Mamatsatsi Sefala, as well as the club for comment, but there was no response at the time of publishing.
