What Pirates and Chiefs legends said to captain Maela [REVEALED]

Orlando Pirates defender Innocent Maela has revealed how former leaders Lucky Lekgwathi and Happy Jele prepared him after being named the new captain.

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Maela said he also received a call from his brother Tsepo Masilela who cemented his legendary status at Kaizer Chiefs for years upon return from Europe.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Maela said Lekgwathi told him that his door will always be open for him should he need help in terms of leading Pirates.

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He is also banking on a number of senior players within the club to guide him should he come across challenges as he is leading one of the biggest teams in Pirates.

Furthermore, Maela said he had a chat with Masilela who advised him on which leadership books to read now that he’s the Pirates captain.

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Maela stepped into the role after Pirates and Jele decided to go separate ways, and therefore, ending a 16-year relationship.

WHAT PIRATES AND CHIEFS LEGENDS SAID NEW CAPTAIN MAELA

“When I was appointed captain, Happy Jele reached out to me and I had a conversation with him. Lucky Lekgwathi also reached out to advise me,” Maela told reporters.

“He told me his door was always open if I needed to talk, and also within the team we have a number of leaders.

“If I need to find something I am not sure about, I can always go to one of the senior players to ask them how to go about things and they are always there,” he continued.

“My older brother, Tsepo, also called me, and we had a conversation regarding leadership and which books to read,” added Maela.

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Pirates return to action this weekend as they welcome TS Galaxy at Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Kick-off is at 17:30.