Orlando Pirates defender Innocent Maela says it is devastating that he will miss the MTN8 final due to an injury against AmaZulu.
Maela picked up what looked like a groin strain in the Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium last Saturday, and he asked to be taken off in the early stages of the game.
The former Thanda Royal Zulu captain’s place was taken by Paseka Mako, who looks set to start in the final tonight.
It is a devastating blow for Maela since he’s club captain having been given a captain armband at the beginning of the season following the departure of Happy Jele.
However, Maela said it is not about him, but what is important is the team winning.
With Maela out, Pirates coach Jose Riveiro will choose between whether the armband is taken by Siyabonga Mpontshane or Richard Ofori.
That is another question that is dicey on who will be in goals between the two as Mpontshane was embarrassingly caught off his line against Chiefs last weekend by Yusuf Maart to score a wonder goal to decide the match, while Ofori is recovering from the injury.
“It is funny you asked that question because when I’m with the group, I always tell everyone within the club that, in order for us to achieve success all the way, we need to stay united and together,” said Maela in Durban.
“Now it is happening that we are playing the final, my first final as the captain and I’m not going to be able to partake, it just shows that maybe God is testing.”
