Orlando Pirates news: Maela, Sesane, new manager boost
Today's Orlando Pirates news looks at Innocent Maela's departure. There's also an update on Thabiso Sesane and a new frontrunner for the coaching job.
44-year-old Pablo Franco Martin is a serious candidate for the top coaching job at Pirates. The Madrid-born tactician has held several interesting roles. Those include Opposition Analyst for Real Madrid and Head Coaching posts for Tanzanian side Simba SC, AmaZulu, Kuwaiti outfit Qadsia SC and now Al-Faisaly in Saudi Arabia's second tier.
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Meanwhile, Innocent Maela enjoyed a rare start as Pirates were held 1-1 by Magesi in their final Betway Premiership clash of the campaign. It was Maela's swansong appearance after which he got a standing ovation and sendoff by the home fans. Patrick Maswanganyi opened the scoring for the Buccaneers in the 7th minute, and Zimbabwean veteran Edmore Chirambare equalised for the visitors on 32 minutes.
Click for Maela's stats and legacy Maela leads Pirates out of the Orlando Stadium tunnel. Image: @orlandopirates/X
Thabiso Sesane started the campaign in domineering form, becoming a pillar in the heart of their defence. It was, therefore, a massive blow to the club and player when he was cruelly struck down with a serious tendon injury in February. The rupture was deemed bad enough for the 24-year-old to undergo surgery. Full recovery could take anywhere between four and six months. If Sesane's rehabilitation goes well, he could be back in time for the start of the 2025-2026 season.
Are you excited to see Thabiso Sesane back in the side?
Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
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