Orlando Pirates make decision on Innocent Maela & Miguel Timm as they strategise on winning Premier Soccer League and Caf Champions League

Last season, Orlando Pirates fell short in their bid to win major trophies.

They ended up winning the MTN8, failed to deliver the Premier Soccer League, Nedbank Cup, Carling Knockout and Caf Champions League.

The Buccaneers will be keen on winning the elusive PSL and the second star in the Caf Champions League.

To realise that, two players have been released as the club creates space for new signings.

The Sea Robbers have confirmed the veteran defender has been released after serving the team since 2017. He has been tipped to join the backroom staff.

Interim coach Mandla Ncikazi was full of praise for the 32-year-old.

"He's a product of this institution. I remember the first time I met him, he was playing for Thanda Royal Zulu and I was still in KZN, I saw this fast winger that I wanted to poach, but was told, 'He belongs to the big institution so you know what should happen,'" he said as quoted by SABC Sport.

"A great human being; sometimes we look at players and we forget they are members of society. It becomes very good when you have a good human being and a good player, and it's such people who continue being a leader even if you are not on the field of play. 

"He's highly intelligent and I'm sure he's highly educated at home and in the institutions of learning – it's a blessing, and I'm sure his career is going to proceed. He's that type where it's not the end now, he's just taking another step and direction in his career, based on his humanity and his academic learning," Ncikazi concluded.

Former Marumo Gallants midfielder Timm has also been released. He was a vital player when Jose Riveiro took over at the start of the 2022-23 season, but injuries and competition saw him become a fringe player.

Pirates are in the market for a new coach after Jose Riveiro's exit and will have to get someone who will have an impact like that of the Al Ahly-linked Spaniard.

The Soweto giants have to get players who can help the club realise their ambitions and avoid dropping again.