Tsepo Masilela has given his thoughts on how younger brother Innocent Maela has performed since he was given the responsibility of leading Orlando Pirates.
Maela replaced long-serving Happy Jele as captain of the Buccaneers and has been part of a defence which has been solid this season, with support from the likes of Olisa Ndah, Nkosinathi Sibiso and Tapelo Xoki.
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Under the leadership of Maela, Pirates have registered five wins in their first 12 matches of the DStv Premiership season and are in the MTN8 semi-final. The Soweto giants face Mamelodi Sundowns in the second leg at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday, after the first leg finished goalless in Orlando.
"I think he has been fantastic and it's good that he is injury free and he can play week in and out and build his confidence. Last season, he had an injury which kept him out for like two months, but I think he has done well. Pirates are in the semi-finals and anything is possible," Masilela told media during a Carling Black Label Cup press conference on Tuesday.
Masilela feels having players such as Xoki, Sibisi and Richard Ofori is good for Maela.
"Pirates is a big team, so I am sure they did pick up that he's got the qualities to lead the team. From my side, he should remain humble, not because you are a captain you now want to be somebody else. It does not operate that way. At the end of the day, you still have to perform. You still have to do the job for the team and help your teammates because you expect them to help you.
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"If you look at that team, there are guys who have captained teams before. Xoki was captain (at AmaZulu), Sibisi was captain (at Golden Arrows), Ofori was captain (at Maritzburg United) and he is now vice-captain, so it's filled with leaders. It shouldn't be a problem. He has to keep on working hard and remain disciplined.
Sundowns and Pirates face off on Saturday at 15:30.
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