Pirates announce Maela as captain for new season

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Orlando Pirates have announced Innocent Maela and Richard Ofori have been appointed as the club’s new captain and vice-captain ahead of the start of the 2022-23 season.

Long-serving defender Maela will take up the captaincy role after the departure of former captain Happy Jele, while goalkeeper Ofori has been tasked with the vice-captaincy role.

“Orlando Pirates Football Club can confirm the appointment of a new Captain and Vice-Captain ahead of the start of the 2022/23 season,” a Pirates statement read.

“Long-serving defender Innocent Maela will take up the Captaincy role following the departure of Happy Jele, with Goalkeeper Richard Ofori taking up the role of Vice-Captain.

“A captain is a leader of men, a player who embodies the core values of the club. He inspires those around him and leads in an exemplary manner – on and off the field.

“Maela not only personifies these values, but he lives them. Throughout his football journey which spans a 10-year period, the 29-year-old has been consistent; and never allowed a situation (good or bad) to change his approach.

“Maela has come full circle. Starting as a youngster in the Club’s Academy ranks in 2012, Inno – as he is affectionately known, went on a five-year-long journey away from the club where he went on to cut his teeth, first at Witbank Spurs and then Thanda Royal Zulu.

“In 2017 – where he was captain, the left-back led the KZN outfit to promotion to the Premiership. The following season, Maela was recalled to the club where he has since become a regular feature in the Club.”

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