Innocent Maela on Orlando Pirates’ fairytale run under Jose Riveiro

The Buccaneers beat Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in the final at the Mbombela Stadium, with Maela and his teammates lifting their fourth major trophy since the Spanish mentor took over the Soweto giants.

Maela says Riveiro has instilled a winning mentality.

"When you have to talk about the coach you know, it's all about how we prepare each and everyday for these moments. He always tells us that you don't prepare for the cup final a week leading up to it, you prepare for such moments each and every day and I think he has installed that mentality within the team, within the group and I'm not surprised that the boys are performing like this when it matters the most," Maela said.

Riveiro named a surprising starting line-up by leaving attackers Relebohile Mofokeng, who scored the winning goal, and Tshegofatso Mabasa on the bench.

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Maela believes that’s how confident Riveiro is in the group.

"I've always said you know, that it's important for us to make sure that when we are given the opportunity, you make sure that you go out there and you grab it and you contribute. That is why when I was appointed the captain, I kept on preaching that I'm not the only one who's leading the team, each and every individual has that responsibility to perform when they are called upon,” he added.

“The coach told us before the game that building up to the week we must be ready, everyone must be ready because this game needs a certain plan and you need different players who have different qualities. So, we knew that this was gonna happen and fortunately, it went well for us."