Defender Innocent Maela shed some light on his relationship with club vice-captain Tapelo Xoki as the the pair share the captain's armband at Orlando Pirates.
The 31-year-old has endured a frustrating start to the season, making just seven appearances across all competitions for The Buccaneers so far and only three were from the starting line-up.
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In his absence, Xoki has carried the captain's armband. However, although he is not leading on the pitch, Maela insists his role remains the same off it and sheds light on how the leadership is shared among his teammates.
"Me and Tapelo [Xoki] are every close, Thabang [Monare] also, [Richard] Ofori also, I mean it really doesin't matter who has the armband on the day, we just try to make sure that all of us as players we are accountable on the day. That we do our jobs to the best of our abilities. There is harmony, there is stability, we support each other.
"Recently, I haven't been playing much but I mean I'm still there for the team. I'm supporting them. My role is still the same. It's just that I'm not in the field with them but yes, we are there. We are guiding the team and making sure there is harmony and chemistry.
"We all constantly remind ourselves that we are there to serve the club, nothing else. Make sure that when we leave Orlando Pirates we will be remembered.
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Pirates are ninth on the DStv Premiership table and will return to action when they take on Moroka Swallows at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday, 5 December.
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