Maela calls for strong performance against Sundowns

Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela has urged his teammates to display a strong performance against Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday in the MTN8 semi-final first leg.

He strongly believes the chances of advancing to the next round of the MTN will be high when they emerge victorious at their home ground.

Maela is eyeing his first trophy as the club’s skipper after he was given the armband before the start of the season. He is aware of the threat posed by Masandawana. However, he is confident his side has got all it takes to cause an upset to the defending MTN8 champions.

“We’re playing against a very good team, but we have a plan. We know how to play the game, and we must make sure that we don’t play the occasion, but play the game,” Maela told the club’s media.

“It’s also very important for us to do well in the first leg because it’s our home game in front of our supporters.

“At the end of the day, it’s a tie with two legs, so we have to be smart, and we need to know how to play in a certain way to give ourselves a chance going into the second leg and ultimately progress to the final.”

Maela further revealed that there is pressure when one plays for a club like Orlando Pirates.

“Whether you wear the armband or not, the pressure is the same as long as you’re representing the team.

“There will always be pressure to deliver and perform, so for me, it’s been the same, but obviously, this season, I’ve assumed more responsibility and accountability within the group.”

Kick off at Orlando Stadium is at 15:30. The second leg will be played on October 22nd at Peter Mokaba Stadium.