Latest news with #InnocentMaela
The South African
2 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
'Do not touch Orlando Pirates king Hotto'
Orlando Pirates have released Innocent Maela and Miguel Timm. Some fans are worried about other club veterans. Club captain Innocent Maela and veteran midfielder Miguel Timm are both leaving Pirates. There are also whispers that top earner Deon Hotto could be following them out of the exit door. One X user said: 'Do not touch King Hotto,' presumably suggesting that the club would be foolish to release the versatile 34-year-old Deon Hotto. The Namibian is still a dependable player and popular among fans and teammates, and managers, comfortable in several positions and tactical systems. Since joining from Wits in 2020, club stalwart Hotto has notched up over 200 appearances, collecting six trophies. To say he's an underrated performer is a massive understatement. Broos explains why he likes Selepe for Bafana Riveiro throws unintentional shade at Orlando Pirates? The ever-reliable Deon Hotto. Image via @power987sport / 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 25-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. 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. Click for the story Did Makgopa and Mabasa offend Hugo Broos? Should Hotto get a new deal with Pirates? 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.
The South African
2 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates set to axe five more senior players!
Five Orlando Pirates senior players face a nervy wait at the club over the next month. The Buccaneers are set to enter a new chapter next season and a number of sweeping changes are expected. Pirates have already parted ways with captain Innocent Maela and midfielder Miguel Timm. New reports suggest however that more exits are looming in Mayfair! READ MORE • Orlando Pirates beat Kaizer Chiefs to star PSL signing! READ MORE • English club enter race to sign Orlando Pirates and Bafana star! According to the latest transfer gossip, five more players could soon be shown the door at the Buccaneers. Katlego Otladisa and Angolan winger Gilberto look set to be offloaded by the club after being loaned out last season, as per Soccer Laduma . Furthermore, the futures of midfielders Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo and Siphelo Baloni are also under the microscope at Orlando Pirates. Finally, Monnapule Saleng is also tipped to leave the club after tumultuous 2024/25 season in Mayfair. Orlando Pirates are also however expected to make a host of key new signings. Some of the players linked with blockbuster moves to the club include Sihle Nduli, Masindi Nemtajela, Sinoxolo Kwayiba and Tshepo Mashiloane. The club are also expected to make a big announcement regarding their new head coach. This comes after Spanish tactician Jose Riveiro left the club, to join Egyptian giants READ MORE • Pirates sign another Betway Premiership star! Who else should Orlando Pirates allow to leave and sign ahead of next season? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @ TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
The South African
5 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates say GOODBYE to two players, FIVE others to follow?
Orlando Pirates have released two senior players. A reliable source believes five more players will follow the same path. It's been a few hours since the Sea Robbers announced the departures of Innocent Maela and Miguel Timm. The former is linked with a management job inside the club, while the latter is expected to join Sekhukhune United. In the meantime, veteran football report er Tiyani Mabasa of Unplayable believes that five more players are expected to leave Orlando Pirates. The names are Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, Zakhele Lepasa, Karim Kimvuidi, Goodman Mosele and Thuso Moleleki. Orlando Pirates team against Stellenbosch FC at the Orlando Stadium. Image: Goal Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
6 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates latest: Maela leaves, new captain for Bucs
Orlando Pirates will have a new captain in the upcoming season following the 'departure' of Innocent Maela. Maela played his final game for the Buccaneers in Wednesday's 1-1 draw at home against Magesi FC. The 32-year-old has 208 officials games under belt as a Pirates player. He scored six times and provided 12 assists. Interim coach Mandla Ncikazi has already confirmed that Maela will be taking a different direction to his football career. Reports suggest Maela will be handed a non-playing role within the Pirates family starting from next season. Meanwhile, Pirates have announced the departure of midfield anchor Miguel Timm as previously reported by The South African. Now, with Maela leaving, Tapelo Xoki is expected to take over as Pirates captain for the new season. Xoki has worn the captain's armband in Maela's absence while Nkosinathi Sibisi is expected to be his deputy. Both Xoki and Sibisi showed great leadership skills whenever they worn the captain's armband, and that is set to remain the same. Orlando Pirates club captain Innocent Maela Image via @SABCSport on X Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Herald
6 days ago
- General
- The Herald
Maela bids emotional farewell to Orlando as Pirates draw against Magesi
The entire first half was controlled by the Buccaneers, who had many chances to stretch their lead but failed to do so until they were punished by Magesi when they used their only chance effectively. Former Kaizer Chiefs player Edmore Chirambadare managed to beat Pirates keeper Sipho Chaine with a low strike, crisply taken just outside the area after a good build-up that Pirates failed to stop. The second half was really a ding-dong battle with no side really able to create good chances to add to the scoreline, though Bucs still had the upper hand. With the draw Premiership rookies Magesi moved to 12th spot with 31 points. There was an emotional farewell for Pirates captain Innocent Maela, who got a standing ovation from the Buccaneers fans as he was being substituted in the 66th minute. Maela's contract will not be renewed by the club and it is not yet clear if he will continue playing elsewhere or will be given a role within the club. The final match of the season will be played at noon on Thursday where SuperSport United and Lamontville Golden Arrows will complete a fixture that was halted at 1-1 at half time because a floodlights failure at Lucas Moripe Stadium on February 23.
