Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela has warned upcoming opponents and defending league champions Mamelodi Sundowns to expect a tough encounter when the two teams meet on Wednesday.
Grant Kekana of Mamelodi Sundowns, Innocent Maela and Kermit Erasmus of Orlando Pirates during the DStv Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns at Orlando Stadium on February 04, 2023 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela has warned upcoming opponents and defending league champions Mameloidi Sundowns to expect a tough encounter when the two teams meet on Wednesday.
In what has developed into one of the most fierce rivalries in recent years, last season's league winners and runners-up, Sundowns and Pirates are set to go head-to-head at Orlando Stadium.Although Sundowns hold a slight edge based off form, with six wins from six matches, Pirates' captain and defender Maela has warned that his side will not be easy to topple, especially at home.
"Look it’s not a secret that they [Sundowns] had enormous success. They’ve done things right and their process is finally paying off for them. But we know what is it that we need to do to surpass their level. And I think we are in that direction, in the right direction," Maela said at the pre-match press conference on Monday.
A horrible start for Pirates ??Sundowns press hard and find the back of the net early through Mailula!