Orlando Pirates defender Innocent Maela admits it’s hard to fathom that he’s racked up 100 DStv Premiership appearances for the club since being promoted to the first team.
Maela, 29, reached the 100 appearance milestone for the club in their final game for 2021 as Pirates beat AmaZulu 2-1 at the Orlando Stadium.
The result saw the Soweto giants end the year in second place behind Mamelodi Sundowns which will bring confidence into the camp with Maela and Thembinkosi Lorch returning after long-term injuries.
Maela, however, who spent time at Witbank Spurs and Richards Bay before his eventual breakthrough at the club admits he never realised how far he’s come with the club since returning back in 2017.
“I never thought I’d achieve such a milestone in my career,” Maela told the club’s website. “Especially for an Academy graduate, it’s sometimes a difficult feat to achieve. But with God’s grace, I did.”
“Initially, I wasn’t aware [of the milestone], I was told by a family member who brought up my stats. That’s how it came about.”
The Bafana Bafana defender also touched on his first start for the club this season against Usuthu: “Getting injured at the start of the season means you have to start on the back foot.
“It affected me a lot, but I’ve fought to be back, and I’m glad I’m here now.”
Maela has only won the MTN8 trophy during his time at the club and will be hoping to add more silverware in the second half of the 2021/22 season.
