Former Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela believes.
The eMalahleni-born legend, who retired at the age of 32 last season, has listed two reasons the Buccaneers will lift the Betway Premiership trophy to the sky in May.
According to Maela, the brother of Kaizer Chiefs legend, Tsepo Masilela, Abdeslam Ouaddou’s team has developed personality and quality.
ORLANDO PIRATES IMPRESS INNOCENT MAELA
Never mind Wednesday night’s classy 3-1 win over a brilliant Golden Arrows team, Maela was sold on this Buccaneers team last Saturday.
Playing at the home of the Betway Premiership champions, Sundowns were rather fortunate that the game ended 1-1, as the Sea Robbers’ dominance stamped a profound statement at Loftus Versfeld.
The result also maintained Orlando Pirates’ unbeaten run to seven games: six straight wins and a draw.
“The way they played that game, it gave us so much confidence,” Maela said on the Michael Morton Talks Football Podcast.
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“Sometimes we go into a game not knowing what’s going to happen. But for me, the way they performed, I personally believe we should have won that game.
“We created more chances than the opponent [Sundowns]. I think we showed more personality inside the field of play.
Maela said the team had often struggled going into matches against Kabo Yellow, but compared to their previous games [two semifinal legs in the MTN8], Bucs showed the side they’ve grown to become.
“For me, I’m not gonna hide, this season, we stand a good chance of winning the league. I’m not gonna lie. I have been there for long,” he added.
“I know that with the squad that we have. The depth of the squad, the quality we have…if only they can believe, aah, we are taking it. This thing is coming home,” Maela concluded.
THE TEAM UNDER ABDESLAM OUADDOU THIS SEASON
In addition to winning the MTN8 title in style against Stellenbosch FC (3-0 at Mbombela), Orlando Pirates are the second-highest scorers in the league with 14 goals in 10 games. While Sundowns lead with 19 goals and three points at the summit, the Buccaneers have played two matches less. Additionally, the Soweto giants have the best defensive record in Mzansi, having conceded only five goals in 10 games.
Coming up next is a Carling Knockout semifinal battle against Richards Bay FC on Saturday. Kick off is set for 15:00 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. The other semifinal tie will see Golden Arrows host Marumo Gallants at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday at 15:00.