Innocent Maela hopeful for Bafana return

Following Bafana Bafana’s impressive run at the recent Afcon tournament in Ivory Coast, Orlando Pirates skipper Innocent Maela wants to return to the team.

The seasoned Pirates skipper wants to return and gain his place in the Bafana squad under coach Hugo Broos after the Afcon showpiece.

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Maela was sidelined for a long time owing to an injury and he only returned to action at the end of 2023 – the skipper speaks about his long-awaited return to Bafana.

In the build-up to the Afcon tournament and before the injury setback, the Pirates skipper was a key member of the Bafana squad but had to be replaced by Aubrey Modiba.

Checking out his appearances, the Witbank-born Pirates skipper only featured in eight games in the first round of the DStv Premiership.

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INNOCENT MAELA VOWS TO RETURN TO BAFANA AFTER AFCON RUN

However, Maela played in Bafana’s friendly match with DR Congo in December after returning from injury for Pirates.

“It was always going to be difficult to be included in the squad for the Afcon because I was out for a very long time,” said Pirates skipper about a return to Bafama.

“I came back towards the end of the year, but it was not enough because I think the coach had already made up his mind on who he wants in his team.

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“But, I know that it’s not over yet, I can still fight to get back into the national team. It’s all about being consistent and ensuring I give my best whenever I am on the pitch.

“The guys (Bafana) did well. They reached the semi-finals of the Afcon and I don’t think anyone expected that.”

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Looking at Bafana’s upcoming matches, Broos will lead his men against Andorra and Algeria in friendly matches in March – Maela hopes to make his return.

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“Right now I am happy to be back to playing and being healthy. We didn’t end the year nicely last year,” added the Pirates skipper about his Bafana chances.

“We dropped too many points in the first round and lost two important matches at the end of the year.

“I want to focus on doing well for the team and working my way back into the Bafana squad.”

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Coming back to club football, Maela will also look to return to action when Pirates face log leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday night.