“WE’VE worked really hard for us to be where we are at this present moment but there’s always room for improvement and that is what we want,” says Orlando Pirates skipper and defender Innocent Maela.
He was speaking at the Betway PSL Soweto Derby press brief held at the Jabulani Theatre, Soweto, earlier today.
The cool as a cucumber Maela, also implored other youngsters in his team to give a telling impact against Kaizer Chiefs, scheduled for FNB Stadium.
Kick-off 15:30
Maela made no exceptions in reference to on-form Relebohile Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota, to come to the party and show no respect towards AmaKhosi, on the day and shine.
“Its going to be an exciting open game for everyone involved, with a lot of goals,” he continued.
“We have worked really hard throughout the years to be where we are today. We have also put a lot of focus on our daily duties, doing the little things correctly, and making sure we are consistent to make sure when we go out there we can execute our plans.”
“When we play, we are all in unison and we all know what we need to do to execute our plans. The young players have been amazing; their humbleness and the way they prepare themselves are just at another level; it’s their time and we are there to support them as the senior players.”
Bucs (2) on the log are in a good form lately both domestically and in the Continent, and Chiefs would have to dig deep to handle the marauding Bucs steaming train from Orlando as it charges towards Phefeni.
Be warned- write off Chiefs at your own peril.
Both teams face each other having won their respective league games recently.
Whoever wins on the day, it will be another good advertisement for soccer!
COMPETITION TIME:
FNB & SLM are giving away 5 tickets to the Soweto Derby.
Date: 01 February 2026
Venue: FNB Stadium, outside Soweto
To stand a chance to win yourself this sought-after ticket, answer the following:
– Which Soweto sides will be vying for glory or bragging rights on Saturday?
Send answer, names and contact details on or before Friday 10am 31 January, to info@sowetolifemag.co.za or sydney@sowetolifemag.co.za
Ts & Cs do apply!
Goodluck…
