Orlando Pirates bid farewell to captain Innocent Maela with a 1-1 draw against Magesi FC in their final match of the season. Maela, who will be retiring to take up a role within the club, was given a rare start and received a standing ovation from the fans as he left the field.
The match started off well for Pirates, with Patrick Masanganyi scoring an early goal in the 7th minute. Despite creating several chances, Pirates were unable to extend their lead and were punished by Edmore Chirambadare’s equalizer for Magesi in the 32nd minute.
In the second half, Pirates continued to push for a win but were unable to break the deadlock. Magesi goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze made crucial saves to deny Pirates, ensuring the match ended in a draw.
With this result, Pirates finished the season in second place with 61 points from 28 games, while Magesi ended in 12th place with 31 points. The fans were treated to an entertaining game of football, with players like Relebohile Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota showcasing their skills and flair on the pitch.
Despite the draw, the atmosphere at the stadium was filled with appreciation for Maela’s contributions to the club over the years. His leadership and commitment to the team were evident throughout the match, and he will surely be missed on the field. As Pirates look ahead to the next season, they will be aiming to build on their strong performance and challenge for the title once again.
