Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela is confident that his team can use their home advantage to secure victory in the second leg of their TotalEnergies CAF Champions League clash against Madagascar’s Disciples FC on Friday evening.
The first leg, played a week ago, ended in a goalless draw, with both sides struggling to break the deadlock in what was an entertaining yet tough match. Despite the stalemate, Maela remains positive about the Buccaneers’ chances, especially now that they have had a chance to analyze their opponents.
“We played a tough match away from home against a team we did not know, but now we have information that we need to prepare for the second leg here at home,” said the 32-year-old skipper. “It was good for us to go out there and not come back with a result that is not favourable.”
Returning to familiar surroundings at Orlando Stadium, Maela believes that Pirates have the upper hand. He is confident that the team’s preparations and focus will pay off, and that playing in front of their home fans will provide the motivation needed to progress to the next round.
“I think we do have the advantage playing at home,” Maela added. “We are preparing well, we are focused, and we know what to do come Friday evening. The team will do well, we are ready and look forward to the match.”
Orlando Pirates have a storied history in CAF Interclub competitions. They reached the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederations Cup in 2015 and 2020 and were runners-up in the CAF Champions League final in 2013. The Buccaneers’ only Champions League triumph came in 1995, a landmark achievement that remains etched in the memories of their supporters.
However, Maela is quick to point out that the current squad should not be judged by the achievements of the past. He emphasized that the current generation of players is different, and for many of them, this tournament represents a new opportunity to establish their own legacy.
“The last time we played in a final, most of those players are no longer here with us,” Maela said. “This is a new group and it’s a new experience for most of us. It’s an opportunity to grow and approach the competition with a lot of humility.”
The Pirates captain underlined the team’s ambition to compete against the best clubs on the African continent, stating that this experience is vital for their growth and development as players. For Maela and his teammates, the objective is to bring the club back to the top tier of African football, a place they believe Orlando Pirates rightfully deserve.
“We look forward to competing against the best on the continent and testing ourselves,” Maela continued. “We want to put the club where it deserves to be. That is where we want to be as players. We are ambitious and want to be in that space for as long as possible.”
With the second leg fast approaching, Maela’s optimism and confidence reflect a team ready to embrace the challenge. Orlando Pirates’ ambition to reclaim their place among Africa’s elite clubs is clear, and Friday’s match offers an important step in that journey. The Buccaneers will be looking to leverage their home advantage, tactical preparation, and rich history to secure a victory and advance further in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.
