Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela is unfazed by the jam-packed schedule and has revealed how the Soweto giants will deal with the schedule overload.
The Buccaneers had a fantastic 2022/23 season, having won the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup titles and qualified for CAF inter-club football.
Pirates also finished second in the SA football top-flight with 54 points after 30 games under the tutelage of Jose Riveiro last campaign.
As a result, the Soweto giants will be competing in five competitions this season, and they are gunning to add more titles to their already well-decorated trophy cabinet.
When Riveiro took over the coaching reigns at Pirates many wondered if he was up to such a big task and he proved his doubters wrong by winning two major titles in his first season at the club.
INNOCENT MAELA UNFAZED BY THEIR BUSY SCHEDULE
Speaking ahead of Pirates’ Friday encounter against Djabal Club of Comoros in the CAF Champions League Preliminary Round second-leg clash, Maela was asked about his thoughts on his side’s upcoming busy schedule.
“We know that we have a busy schedule but I think we have prepared pretty well,” said Maela.
“Looking at the work we have done during the pre-season I think it will be very influential this season. I feel like the squad we have is more than capable of dealing with the busy schedule.
“The coach has already said we have good and quality players and I know that each and every individual will play a role to make sure that we do well to go all the way.”
INNOCENT MAELA ON COMPETING IN FIVE COMPETITIONS
The skipper also shared his thoughts on the pressure of being involved in five competitions this season. Pirates have already started their journey in the CAF Champions League, DStv Premiership and MTN8. They will also participate in the Carling Black Label Cup and Nedbank Cup.
“Coming back to the five competitions, as a big brand Orlando Pirates is, we want to win all the matches that we play,” he added.
“But we also need to take care of the little things like resting enough, eating well, and looking after each other.
“I’m sure the technical team will manage the squad well to be able to challenge for all the competitions.”
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