Ex-Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela cautions Sipho Mbule and others - 'Your life now will never be the same'

Former Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela has challenged the Bucs' new recruits to work hard and make the club proud because it represents a lot of people.

Pirates have signed seven players, and Maela, who left the club at the end of the 2024/25 season, has congratulated the new players but reminded them of the tasks ahead.

"To the new players, congratulations. Your life now will never be the same. This is a big institution. Now you are representing a lot of people," Maela said as per the club's social media pages.

"Today, we are here at the players' induction, making sure that the guys feel welcome. We are proud of them. They have made it this far, but this is only the beginning," he added.

"They need to work hard. A club like ours has all the resources and the structures they need to be successful, but this is only the beginning."

Among the new signings at Pirates is Mbule, whose signing was confirmed amid intense speculation that he was headed to Kaizer Chiefs.

Yanela Mbuthuma was signed from Richards Bay and, at Pirates, will battle for the starting line with Tshegofatso Mabasa and Evidence Makgopa.

Tshepang Moremi, from AmaZulu, who managed three goals and seven assists, will face rather stiff competition at the club because his rivals, Relebohile Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota, have been outstanding for the Sea Robbers.

Sinoxolo Kwayiba from Chippa United, Masindi Nemtajela from Marumo Gallants, Tshepo Mashiloane signed from Baroka and Sihle Nduli from Stellenbosch are the other new faces at the Soweto giants.

After their signings, the new players will be watched closely to see whether they will click fast and help make the Bucs an even more competitive outfit in the next seasons.

For now, the Sea Robbers are focused on their pre-season programme where they will sharpen themselves with high-profile friendlies in Marbella, Spain.