Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela opens up on being sidelined by Jose Riveiro - 'People say I only do interviews'

Orlando Pirates left-back Innocent Maela has expressed his feelings after being consistently sidelined despite being the club's captain. 

The versatile defender has been struggling to get game time since last season and has only started twice for the Sea Robbers this season so far. 

With coach Jose Riveiro preferring Deon Hotto in the left-back position, Maela has explained why he is not bothered by being a benchwarmer. 

"I have been questioned a lot with people saying that what kind of captain who doesn't play and who doesn't get the opportunity to be in the field, how is he leading the team," Maela said on Pirates TV. 

"People said I am only a captain for interviews, I only do press conferences, etc., but they don't understand the kind of person I am. First, I need to clarify this. Since I started playing, I have always seen myself as a leader of this team, a leader of the group.

"So now, the only difference is that my teammates have voted for me to wear an arm belt. But how I lead myself and the group has always been the same because I always preach that we must put the team first regardless," explained the experienced defender. 

"I always understand what the coach wants from us as players and how the coach selects his starting eleven. However, yes, as a player you always want to be on the field, but I think I have grown, and I'm experienced enough to understand that if Deon Hotto wins, I win, if I win, Paseka Mako wins," he continued. 

"In the end, history does not remember who played how many matches, history will never forget that this certain player won five, or six trophies with Orlando Pirates. 

"I always preach about humility, but I'm proud of myself because I feel like I have sacrificed myself, I placed myself backward so that other people can shine, and eventually, we all win."

Maela was named as Pirates' captain following the departure of the former club's skipper and legend Happy Jele in 2022.

His appointment came shortly after the arrival of Riveiro in the same year. As a captain, the Mpumalanga-born player has led the Buccaneers to five trophies in two seasons. 

His obvious big dream going forward would be to help Pirates win the Caf Champions League and the PSL title to add to both the club's trophy cabinent and his personal medal haul. 

Pirates will be aiming for a good start to the Carling Knockout Cup when they face the league's newbies Magesi FC on Saturday in the last 16 of the competition. 

Should they go on to lift the Carling Cup title, it will be their second trophy this season - having already clinched the MTN8 Cup title.