Orlando Pirates have been tipped to add a few top players in their bid to challenge for the Premier Soccer League and other top honours in the 2025/26 season.
On Thursday, they confirmed the release of their long-serving captain, Innocent Maela, who has been with the Buccaneers since 2017. He has been one of the key players at the club, but recent seasons have not been good owing to injuries.
The 32-year-old played his last match on Wednesday in the 1-1 draw against Magesi FC at the Orlando Stadium.
Ncikazi lauds Maela
“He's a product of this institution. I remember the first time I met him, he was playing for Thanda Royal Zulu and I was still in KZN, I saw this fast winger that I wanted to poach, but was told, ‘He belongs to the big institution so you know what should happen,” Bucs interim coach Mandla Ncikazi said after the game.
“A great human being; sometimes we look at players and we forget they are members of society, it becomes very good when you have a good human being and a good player, and it's such people who continue being a leader even if you are not on the field of play.
“He's highly intelligent and I'm sure he's highly educated at home and in the institutions of learning – it's a blessing, and I'm sure his career is going to proceed. He's that type where it's not the end now, he's just taking another step and direction in his career, based on his humanity and his academic learning,” he concluded.
It is the end for Timm
The MTN8 champions have further confirmed the exit of the 33-year-old versatile midfielder Miguel Timm.
Timm joined Bucs from Marumo Gallants in the 2022/23 campaign, playing a vital role as Jose Riveiro's men won MTN8 and the Nedbank Cup in his first season in the South African football following the exit of Fadlu Davids and Ncikazi's demotion.
However, just like Maela, Timm has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, with stiff competition making things even harder for him. It explains why the club has opted to release him.
Bucs are building a team to challenge for the Premier Soccer League, MTN8, Nedbank Cup, Carling Knockout and Caf Champions League.
