Right to be frustrated: Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela questioned head coach’s decision and….

“I have been questioned a lot with people saying that what kind of captain who doesn’t play and who doesn’t get the opportunity to be in the field, how is he leading the team,” Maela said on Pirates TV.

“People said I am only a captain for interviews, I only do press conferences, etc., but they don’t understand the kind of person I am. First, I need to clarify this. Since I started playing, I have always seen myself as a leader of this team, a leader of the group.

“So now, the only difference is that my teammates have voted for me to wear an arm belt. But how I lead myself and the group has always been the same because I always preach that we must put the team first regardless,” explained the experienced defender.

“I always understand what the coach wants from us as players and how the coach selects his starting eleven. However, yes, as a player you always want to be on the field, but I think I have grown, and I’m experienced enough to understand that if Deon Hotto wins, I win, if I win, Paseka Mako wins,” he continued.