WATCH: Tau, Masilela amongst the fans to pay tribute to Orlando Pirates captain
The 32-year-old left-back played 67 minutes during the Buccaneers' disappointing 1-1 draw with Magesi at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday night. After the match, Pirates fans paid tribute to Maela, who dedicated eight years of service to the club.
Among the spectators were Kaizer Chiefs legend Tsepo Masilela and Bafana Bafana winger Percy Tau, who came to support the defender in his last game for the Sea Robbers.
Orlando Pirates interim coach Mandla Ncikazi also honoured his captain during the post-match press conference.
'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,' said Ncikazi.
'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.'
Ncikazi confirmed that Maela would be taking another direction in his career.
'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.'
With Maela gone, Tapelo Xoki will take over as Orlando Pirates. The tall centre-back has captained the Buccaneers for two seasons in the absence of Maela.
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