by Benjamin Nyirenda
At the start of the current DSTV Premiership season, Orlando Pirates announced left back Innocent Maela as their new captain, following the departure of their long-serving captain Happy Jele.
Maela has shared some highlights on how the captainship has been since he took over, he also acknowledged former club captains for showing him the ropes.
Speaking on Thursday at the club’s training ground in Johannesburg, Maela said that former Pirates captains including Jele, encouraged him and motivated. He said they also gave him advice on how to handle the captain’s arm band.
“Yeah, when I was appointed or announced as the team captain Happy Jele sat down with me and advised me on how to handle the arm band. Lucky Lekgwathi also gave me advice, even on social media. The other person who advised and encouraged me was my elder brother Tshepo Masilela, he also sat down with me and that has really helped me a lot, ” he said.
Maela also added that his team mates have also been supportive.
” My team mates have also helped me to settle well in the position as captain and as for confidence, every time I go out there to play I have to be confident that I will do well and that’s what helps me perform not just for myself but for the team. We are all working together as a team and everyone is a captain in the field of play, ” Maela concluded.