Soweto giants Orlando Pirates have confirmed the appointment of a new captain and vice-captains ahead of the start of the 2025/26 season. The captaincy has been vacant since the departure of defender Innocent Maela.
The 32-year-old Maela was captain from 2022 until the conclusion of the 2024/25 season. The former Bafana Bafana player took over from club legend Happy Jele.
The club has announced that Nkosinathi Sibisi will officially take over as captain, following the retirement of Maela. Maela has been offered a non-playing role within the Pirates organisation, as reported.
NEW ORLANDO PIRATES CAPTAIN CONFIRMED AHEAD OF THE NEW SEASON
“In keeping with club tradition, the appointment came directly from the players themselves through a confidential voting process,” the club said on Wednesday.
“Emerging as the team’s clear choice to wear the captain’s armband is defender Nkosinathi Sibisi.”
Sibisi will be assisted by Thapelo Xoki and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who have been named as vice-captains.
NEW BUCAANERS LEADER NKOSINATHI SIBISI HONOURED TO BE GIVEN A HUGE RESPONSIBILITY
“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,” he said.
The 29-year-old Sibisi is not new to the captaincy role at the club. He also captained the club in the absence of Maela.
He was also recently named captain of the Bafana Bafana side during their recent international friendly matches in Polokwane.
Sibisi was recently named the Betway Premiership Defender of the Season at the PSL end-of-season Awards on Tuesday. He beat off competition from Grant Kekana of Mamelodi Sundowns and Thabo Moloisane of Stellenbosch FC.
Sibisi also captained fellow Betway Premiership side Golden Arrows before his move to the Buccaneers. His first official match as captain of the club will be against Polokwane City FC in the MTN8 quarter-final at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
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