Orlando Pirates defender Innocent Maela has revealed that there is mounting excitement within the Pirates squad as they close in on the end of the season, with the Absa Premiership title in sight.

Pirates head into an important week in the title race three points clear at the top of the table, but with a game in hand over their closest rivals, Mamelodi Sundowns.

Both Downs and the Sea Robbers will be in action this midweek, and defender Maela has revealed that even there is excitement in the squad, they remain focused on taking it one game at a time.

‘Obviously the mood is good‚ the guys are working hard in training and there is excitement, but we also have people who are experienced such as Mike Musa Nyatama‚ Happy Jele‚ Mpho Makola‚ Thabo [Matlaba], people who have been there.

‘They try so much to keep us grounded‚ for us to always stay humble‚ listening to the coaches and making sure that we keep going‚ keep improving.

‘We can see that it is close, but we know that we also need to focus on the next match.

‘Winning for Orlando Pirates‚ taking into consideration that I was here during my development days in the academy – so for me to be in a position where I can win something for the club‚ would be out of this world‚ definitely‚’ concluded Maela.