Pirates skipper eyeing AFCON spot, Broos doubts

Bafana Bafana defender and Orlando Pirates skipper Innocent Maela is confident of securing a spot at the AFCON but coach Hugo Broos has doubts.

Maela recently expressed his mission to secure a spot at the upcoming AFCON tournament as he recovers from a groin injury.

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Pirates released an injury update last week indicating that the Mpumalanga-born defender is recovering after undergoing corrective surgery on a niggling groin in September.

The Soweto giants, Pirates said Maela was four weeks post-operation, which was done on September 18, and was expected to return to training in the next few days.

PIRATES SKIPPER EYEING AFCON SPOT, BROOS HAS DOUBTS

Just before facing Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto derby a few weeks ago, Maela said he was confident he would be with Bafana at AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire

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“Injuries are never a good thing. It was disappointing for me to go through what I’ve been going through but it’s an opportunity for me to come back stronger and make sure when I come back that I perform at a level that I am known for,”’ Maela said to Sowetan.

“I have missed a lot of action in the national team as well… considering that Afcon is around the corner, this isn’t nice but I am confident that I will be back and earn a spot in the national side for AFCON.”

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Meanwhile, the highly awaited continental showpiece is scheduled to be staged between January 13 and February 11 – is Maela running out of time?

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BAFANA COACH ON MAELA’S AFCON CHANCES

Meanwhile, Btoos was quizzed about the seasoned left-back’s chances and he responded when he announced his squad to face Benin and Rwanda.

With the Belgian pinning his hopes on Bradley Cross of Golden Arrows and Aubrey Modiba of Mamelodi Sundowns – it remains to be seen if Maela has a chance.

“As Maela is still injured, I’m afraid he will not be there for AFCON,” adds Broos.

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“So, we need someone there. Therefore, we have Bradley now, and let’s hope that he can satisfy us.”

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