"It is our responsibility to defend the MTN 8" - Innocent Maela
By Neo Poho
As the 2023/24 MTN 8 commences on Saturday the 12th of August 2023, Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela has backed his team to head into the competition with the mindset of defending the title.
This follows Pirates claiming the silverware last season after defeating AmaZulu 1-0 in the final, a victory that also saw the Sea Robbers retain the then MTN 8 trophy.
Speaking during the launch of the 2023/24 MTN 8 on Thursday afternoon, Maela alluded that as the defending champions they have the responsibility to try and defend the title starting off with a victory against Sekhukhune United in the quarter-final on Saturday evening.
"Another MTN 8 campaign starting this season and this means we have to go out there as a team and make sure that we perform to the best of our ability.
We have been preparing very well and as defending champions we have to be brave, courageous and give it our best shot because there is a lot of pressure however, as a team it would really mean a lot for us to be able to defend this title," Maela said.
The Buccaneers will head into the quarter-final clash against Sekhukhune United at the back of a convincing 4-2 victory against Royal AM on Tuesday night in the DStv Premiership while Sekhukhune also picked up their first three points of the season with a victory against Cape Town Spurs on Wednesday.
Kick-off at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday evening is 18:00 o'clock.
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