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Maela explains preparation behind Soweto derby goal

Cape Town - Orlando Pirates defender Innocent Maela has revealed that his equaliser in Saturday's 2-1 Soweto derby win came from a move off the training ground.

After Khama Billiat opened the scoring for Kaizer Chiefs in the 15th minute, Maela equalised in the 29th, heading home from Justin Shonga's corner. Three minutes later, Vincent Pule scored what proved to be the winner.

Speaking to his club's official website, Maela explained: “We practice the movements when attacking a corner and there are areas that we know Shonga and Pule will hit when they deliver. I moved into one of the channels and managed to get my head onto the ball.

“I don't score a lot of headers because of the way I play. Normally the chances I get are with my feet so naturally I'm very happy that I was able to contribute with my header.

“There is so much pressure in derby games because of the expectation of the fans, so to score in such a big game is very encouraging.

“We now need to build on this result and that as the momentum we need to keep winning and doing well for the fans.”

The victory moved the Buccaneers back within one point of early Premiership leaders Bidvest Wits, who have a game in hand over Milutin Sredojevic's side.

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