Innocent Maela is a South African professional soccer player who has made a name for himself as a defender for Orlando Pirates and the South Africa national team. Born on August 14, 1992, in Witbank, Mpumalanga, South Africa, Maela has become a key player for his club and country with his impressive performances and leadership qualities. In this comprehensive player profile and biography, we will take a closer look at Maela’s life, career, achievements, and more.

Early Life and Background Maela was born into a family of footballers, with his father Eric Maela being a former player himself. Growing up, Maela was exposed to the sport from an early age and developed a passion for it. He began his football journey with the Orlando Pirates Youth Development Academy, where he honed his skills and developed into a promising talent. Maela’s hard work and dedication paid off when he was promoted to the senior team and made his debut in 2017.

Club Career Since joining Orlando Pirates, Maela has established himself as one of the best left-backs in the South African Premier Soccer League. He has been a consistent performer for the team, helping them win the Telkom Knockout in 2018 and reach the final of the CAF Champions League in the same year. Maela’s impressive performances have not gone unnoticed, and he has been linked with moves to other clubs in South Africa and abroad.

Key Takeaways

• Innocent Maela is a South African professional soccer player who plays as a defender for Orlando Pirates and the South Africa national team.
• Maela was born on August 14, 1992, in Witbank, Mpumalanga, South Africa, and began his football journey with the Orlando Pirates Youth Development Academy.
• Maela has established himself as one of the best left-backs in the South African Premier Soccer League and has helped Orlando Pirates win the Telkom Knockout in 2018.

Early Life and Background

Innocent Maela was born on August 14, 1992, in Witbank, Mpumalanga, South Africa. He was born to Eric Maela, who was also a professional footballer, and grew up in a football-loving family. Innocent Maela inherited his father’s passion for football and started playing at a young age.

Maela’s talent was quickly noticed, and he joined the Orlando Pirates Youth Development Academy. He worked hard and honed his skills, eventually making his way into the first team. Maela’s dedication and hard work paid off, and he became a regular starter for the team.

In addition to his football career, Maela also pursued his education. He attended the University of South Africa (UNISA), where he studied towards a Bachelor of Commerce degree. Despite his busy schedule, Maela was able to balance his studies and his football career, demonstrating his discipline and commitment to both.

Club Career

Early Career

Innocent Maela started playing football at a young age and joined the youth academy of Witbank Spurs, a South African football club based in Witbank, Mpumalanga. He developed his skills as a left-back and caught the attention of scouts from other clubs.

Professional Debut

In 2012, Maela made his professional debut for Mpumalanga Black Aces, a South African football club. He played for the team for two seasons, making 36 appearances in total.

Breakthrough and Recognition

In 2014, Maela signed for Thanda Royal Zulu, another South African football club. He played for the team for two seasons, making 44 appearances in total. His performances caught the attention of Orlando Pirates, one of the biggest football clubs in South Africa.

In 2017, Maela signed for Orlando Pirates and quickly established himself as a key player for the team. He helped the team to reach the final of the 2017 Telkom Knockout Cup and was named in the Team of the Tournament. He also helped the team to finish second in the 2018/19 South African Premier Division.

Current Club Performance

As of May 2024, Maela is still playing for Orlando Pirates and is considered one of the best left-backs in the South African Premier Division. He has made over 100 appearances for the team and has scored several goals. He is known for his pace, defensive skills, and ability to join the attack.

International Career

National Team Debut

Innocent Maela made his debut for the South African national team on 23 March 2018 in a friendly match against Zambia. He played the full 90 minutes of the match, which ended in a 2-0 victory for South Africa. Maela’s impressive performance in his debut match earned him a spot in the national team for the 2018 COSAFA Cup.

Tournament Appearances

Maela has represented South Africa in several tournaments, including the 2018 COSAFA Cup, the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, and the 2021 COSAFA Cup. In the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, Maela played in all four of South Africa’s matches and helped his team reach the quarter-finals of the tournament.

Notable Performances

One of Maela’s most notable performances for the national team came in a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Nigeria. Maela scored his first international goal in the match, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Maela’s goal was crucial in helping South Africa qualify for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Maela’s solid defensive performances have also been instrumental in South Africa’s success in several matches. In a 2021 COSAFA Cup match against Lesotho, Maela helped South Africa keep a clean sheet in a 1-0 victory.

Overall, Maela has become an important player for the South African national team due to his versatility, solid defending, and occasional attacking contributions.

Playing Style

Position and Role

Innocent Maela is a left-back defender who plays for Orlando Pirates FC and the South African national team. He is known for his versatility and ability to play in multiple positions, including left-wing and center-back. Maela’s primary role is to defend the left flank and support the team’s attack by overlapping and creating chances.

Skills and Techniques

Maela is an accomplished defender who possesses a range of skills and techniques that make him a valuable asset to any team. His pace, agility, and physical strength enable him to keep up with fast-paced attackers and make crucial tackles. Additionally, his excellent ball control and passing ability allow him to start counter-attacks and create scoring opportunities for his team.

Tactical Intelligence

Maela is a tactically intelligent player who can read the game and make quick decisions. He has a keen sense of positioning and can anticipate opponents’ moves, which allows him to intercept passes and make vital clearances. Moreover, Maela is a vocal leader on the pitch and communicates well with his teammates, which helps to organize the team’s defense and maintain shape.

In summary, Innocent Maela is a versatile left-back defender who possesses a range of skills and techniques that make him a valuable asset to any team. His tactical intelligence, excellent ball control, and passing ability, coupled with his physical strength and pace, make him one of the best defenders in South Africa.

Achievements and Awards

Club Honours

Innocent Maela has had a successful career at club level, winning several honours with Orlando Pirates. He was part of the team that won the Telkom Knockout Cup in the 2019/2020 season. Maela was also a key member of the Pirates team that reached the final of the CAF Champions League in 2013. Although they lost to Al Ahly in the final, Maela’s performances throughout the competition were impressive.

Individual Accolades

Maela’s performances for Orlando Pirates have not gone unnoticed, as he has been recognized with several individual awards. In 2018, he was named Orlando Pirates’ Player of the Season. He was also included in the PSL Team of the Season for the 2018/2019 season. Maela’s consistent performances at left-back have made him one of the best defenders in the South African Premiership.

International Recognition

Innocent Maela has represented the South African national team on several occasions. He was part of the Bafana Bafana team that reached the quarter-finals of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Maela’s performances in the tournament were impressive, as he helped South Africa keep clean sheets in their victories over Namibia and Egypt. His performances earned him a place in the Team of the Tournament.

In conclusion, Innocent Maela has been a consistent performer for Orlando Pirates and the South African national team. His performances have earned him several honours and individual awards, and he is regarded as one of the best left-backs in the South African Premiership.

Off-the-Field

Philanthropy and Community Service

Innocent Maela is known for his philanthropic efforts and community service. He has been involved in various initiatives aimed at uplifting disadvantaged communities in South Africa. In 2020, he donated food parcels to families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in his hometown of Witbank. He has also been involved in campaigns aimed at promoting education and youth development.

Business Ventures

In addition to his football career, Innocent Maela has ventured into business. He is the owner of a clothing brand called “IM” which stands for his initials. The brand offers a range of clothing items including t-shirts, hoodies, and caps.

Media Presence

Innocent Maela is active on social media and has a significant following on platforms such as Instagram and Twitter. He often shares updates about his football career, as well as his personal life. He has also been featured in various media outlets, including interviews with sports journalists and appearances on television shows.

Overall, Innocent Maela’s off-the-field activities demonstrate his commitment to giving back to his community and his entrepreneurial spirit.

Personal Life

Innocent Maela was born on August 14, 1992, in Witbank, Mpumalanga, South Africa. He is the son of former footballer Eric Maela and has a paternal half-brother named Tsepo Masilela, who is also a former professional soccer player.

Maela is known to be a private person and has not shared much about his personal life with the media. However, he is believed to be married and has a daughter.

In his free time, Maela enjoys playing video games and spending time with his family. He is also known to be a devout Christian and often shares his faith on social media.

Overall, Maela’s personal life is characterized by his dedication to his family, his faith, and his passion for soccer.

Legacy and Impact

Innocent Maela’s impact on South African soccer cannot be overstated. He has been a key player for both the Orlando Pirates and the South African national team, and his contributions have not gone unnoticed.

Maela is known for his versatility on the field, able to play both as a left-back and center-back, which has made him a valuable asset for his team. He is also known for his speed, agility, and technical skills, which have helped him become a fan favorite.

Maela’s impact goes beyond his performance on the field. He has also become a role model for many young South African soccer players, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and work hard to achieve their goals.

Off the field, Maela is involved in various social projects, including the Innocent Maela Foundation, which aims to provide underprivileged children with access to education and sports facilities. His commitment to giving back to his community has earned him the respect and admiration of many.

Overall, Innocent Maela’s legacy as a player and a humanitarian will continue to inspire future generations of South African soccer players and fans.

Also check: Azola Matrose: A Comprehensive Player Profile and Biography

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Innocent Maela’s current club and position?

As of May 2024, Innocent Maela is a defender for Orlando Pirates Football Club in the DStv Premiership League. He primarily plays as a left-back.

How has Innocent Maela’s career been impacted by injuries?

Injuries have been a challenge for Innocent Maela throughout his football career. He suffered a serious ankle injury in 2018 that kept him out of action for several months. However, he has worked hard to recover and has since returned to the pitch, playing an important role in his team’s defensive strategy.

What are some notable achievements of Innocent Maela in his football career?

Innocent Maela has achieved several milestones in his football career. He has represented South Africa in international matches, earning 15 caps as of May 2024. He was also named the Orlando Pirates Player of the Season in the 2019/2020 season. Additionally, he has been a key player in helping Orlando Pirates reach the finals of the Telkom Knockout Cup in 2018 and the Nedbank Cup in 2019.

Who are Innocent Maela’s family members also involved in football?

There is no information available about Innocent Maela’s family members who are involved in football. However, it is known that he grew up in Witbank, Mpumalanga, South Africa, and began playing football at a young age.

What is known about Innocent Maela’s early life and development as a player?

Innocent Maela was born on August 14, 1992, in Witbank, Mpumalanga, South Africa. He began playing football at a young age and developed his skills playing for local clubs. He later joined the Orlando Pirates academy and worked his way up to the first team.

How does Innocent Maela contribute to his team’s defensive strategy?

Innocent Maela is known for his defensive skills and ability to read the game. He is a strong tackler and is not afraid to make challenges to win the ball. He is also a good communicator on the pitch and helps to organize his team’s defense. Additionally, he is a threat going forward and often makes overlapping runs to support his team’s attack.