Official: Pirates Confirm New Captains

Orlando Pirates Football Club have confirm the appointment of Innocent Maela as new captain of the club, while Richard Ofori will be the new vice-captain for the 2022/23 season.

Maela replaces Happy Jele as captain after the latter left the club following 16 years at Orlando Stadium.

“Long serving defender Innocent Maela will take up the Captaincy role following the departure of Happy Jele, with Goalkeeper Richard Ofori taking up the role of Vice-Captain,” the club stated on Wednesday.

“A captain is a leader of men, a player who embodies the core values of the club. He inspires those around him and leads in an exemplary manner – on and off the field.

“Maela not only personifies these values, but he lives them. Throughout his football journey which spans over a ten-year period, the 29-year-old has been consistent; and never allowing a situation (good or bad) change his approach.

“Maela has come full circle. Starting as a youngster in the Clubs’ Academy ranks in 2012, Inno – as he is affectionately known, went on a five-year long journey away from the club where he went on to cut his teeth, first at Witbank Spurs and then Thanda Royal Zulu.

“In 2017 – where he was captain, the left back led the KZN outfit to promotion to the Premiership. The following season, Maela was recalled to the club where he has since become a regular feature in the Club.”

Remember, the new edition of the free iDiski Times newspaper is out and in Shoprite stores in Gauteng and it’s a bumper Banyana Banyana edition to celebrate our African champions. You can read an interviews with Refiloe Jane, Janine Van Wyk, Noko Matlou and Andile Dlamini as well Benni McCarthy praising Desiree Ellis. We also have exclusives with former Orlando Pirates captain Happy Jele and new Royal AM co-coach Dan Malesela. Plus the latest transfer rumours on Samir Nurkovic, Pitso Mosimane, Lebogang Manyama. Make sure to get your FREE COPY at your nearest Shoprite in Gauteng.