Innocent Maela hoping to make final Bafana squad to face Morocco

Maela is part of the Bafana Bafana 34-member preliminary squad that was announced by Bafana head coach Hugo Broos, last week.

The team will be trimmed down to a squad of 23 players next week ahead of Bafana’s final 2023 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Morocco at FNB stadium on the 17th of this month.

Maela says there’s no rest for international players.

"First and foremost, we are honoured to be called to the national team. It's a privilege. In this day and age, footballers don't really get to rest and we are honoured to be caring this responsibility of representing the nation. Hopefully we can make it to the final squad and face Morocco," he said.

Both Morocco and Bafana Bafana have qualified for the AFCON tournament in Ivory Coast next year and the 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinalists top the group with six points from two matches, compared to Bafana’s four points from three matches. Maela is relishing a clash with the continent’s top-ranked country.

"It's a very big moment for the national team, for the country, it gives us an opportunity to test ourselves and see where we are. It is no secret that we are playing against a very good team, a very good footballing nation but I mean we'll be ready. I'm sure we will prepare as hard as we can and try to win the match."