Orlando Pirates have confirmed the club's new captain set to succeed Innocent Maela ahead of the new season.
The Soweto giants confirmed on Wednesday via a club statement that defender Nkosinathi Sibisi has been appointed as the club's new captain ahead of the 25/26 season.
According to the statement, the club followed its tradition of allowing the players themselves to pick their captain, and the winning vote went to Sibisi.
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The 29-year-old joined the Buccaneers at the start of the 22/23 season and became an instant vital player. Since his arrival, Sibisi has already made 102 appearances for the Sea Robbers in a spell that has yielded five trophies.
Sibisi was also voted the 24/25 Betway Premiership Defender of the Season. Speaking to the club's media, 'Bhodlela' said he was honoured to take over from Maela.
"It is truly an honour and privilege to be named captain of this great institution. It’s a responsibility that I accept and promise to fulfil the role in the best way I possibly can," the defender said.
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Pirates' statement also reveals that the players voted for Tapelo Xoki and 20-year-old Mbekezeli Mbokazi to serve as vice-captains.
The duo are no strangers to the armband as Xoki has regularly worn it in the absence of Maela and Sibisi over the past two seasons, while Mbokazi has plenty of experience having served as Reserves' team captain.
FULL CLUB STATEMENT:
Orlando Pirates Football Club can confirm the appointment of a new captain and vice-captains ahead of the start of the 2025/26 season.
The position of captain has been vacant since the departure of long-serving defender Innocent Maela. Maela led from 2022 to date, having taken over from another stalwart and legend, Happy Jele.
In keeping with club tradition, the appointment came directly from the players themselves through a confidential voting process.
Emerging as the team’s clear choice to wear the captain’s armband is defender Nkosinathi Sibisi.
Speaking on his new captaincy announcement, Sibisi said: “It is truly an honour and privilege to be named captain of this great institution. It’s a responsibility that I accept and promise to fulfil the role in the best way I possibly can.”
Sibisi will be assisted by Thapelo Xoki and Mbekezeli Mbokazi who have been named as Vice-Captains.
Photo: Gallo Images/ Darren Stewart
