Orlando Pirates’ season finale and reportedly last game for captain Innocent Maela at the club ended in a 1-1 draw with Magesi FC on Wednesday night.
This result meant that Pirates finished second on the Premiership log with 61 points, 12 behind champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
It was not the way the Buccaneers would have wanted to finish off the season, especially at their Orlando Stadium home, as a win would have served as a consolation after yet another disappointing campaign.
However, this game was a true reflection of Pirates’ shortcomings this season as they failed to either consolidate their lead or add to their advantage.
When Patrick Maswanganyi broke the deadlock in the seventh minute, expectations were high for Pirates to head into the break with a healthy advantage.
This was due to the fact that they took the game to Magesi, using the speed of Mohau Nkota and composure of Relebohile Mofokeng.
But it wasn’t to be. Instead, Magesi stunned Pirates and punished their wastefulness as Edmore Chirambadare equalised before the break, resulting in the game ending 1-1.
The equaliser must have stung for everyone, especially captain Maela, who was said to be making his final appearance for the club.
Maela’s brother and homeboy Tsepo Masilela and Percy Tau were also in the stands to all but bid farewell to the defender, who had served the club well over the years.
The 32-year-old left back couldn’t lead his team to a win while on the pitch for 65 minutes, and he was eventually substituted and replaced by youngster Yanga Madida.
But before going off, he took time to bid The Ghost farewell, waving to the stands before the crowd responded and chanted “Maela, Maela, Maela”.
Pirates’ win didn’t come even after stoppage time either as their last game of the season and Maela’s reported last dance at the club ended in a disappointing draw in Soweto.
