The Orlando Pirates’ dressing room is brimming with players who have previously been captains at their previous clubs. Of course, some would temporarily play the role of captain. Following Innocent Maela’s appointment as Bucs’ skipper, FARPost looks at four players in the Buccaneers camp who come with leadership qualities whom Spaniard Jose Riveiro can lean on to guide the younger players.
Richard Ofori
The Ghana international is regarded as one of the influential figures in the star-studded Black Stars team. In fact, he was named second deputy captain by former national team coach Charles Kwabla Akonnor during his days at Maritzburg
The role saw him deputise Andre Ayew, who led Ghana to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. Arsenal midfielder Thomas Teye Partey, then at Atletico Madrid, was appointed as first vice-captain. At Maritzburg, Ofori also served as captain before joining the Sea Robbers in 2020.
Tapelo Xoki
Xoki, who was handed the armband at AmaZulu by Benni McCarthy and proved to be the best leader to lead from the back.
It was in the 2020/21 DStv Premiership season that the 27-year-old established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the domestic league, making 24 appearances and scoring an impressive seven goals from a deep-lying position.
The Khayelitsha-born star remains one of the consistent defenders after making 29 appearances for Usuthu last season, and it came as no surprise when the Buccaneers came knocking for his signature.
Nkosinathi Sibisi
‘Bhodlela’, as he’s affectionately known, was the rock in the heart of Golden Arrows’ defence. Sibisi possesses great leadership qualities that saw him make over 100 appearances for Abafana Bes’thende.
The 26-year-old tough-tackler made 20 appearances last season and contributed three goals. Interestingly, while on the Arrows reserve side, he was also handed the responsibility of leading his teammates.
With Bafana Bafana looking a massive possibility, after featuring against France, he would want to show how much of a leader he is at the Soweto giants.
Goodman Mosele
The young midfielder joined the Sea Robbers with a big name tag as a Young Player of the Season in the 2020/21 season.
The 22-year-old occasionally captained Baroka and turned himself into a highly sought-after player in the local league.
Mosele was part of the SA Under 20 team that played in the Tokyo Olympics 2020. In his first season at Pirates, he played 19 games and scored on three occasions while contributing one assist.
Bandile Shandu
The former Maritzburg United utility player has previously been captain both at school and in the youth club structures.
Shandu was skipper at Maritzburg College before captaining The Team of Choice’s reserve side. A consistent performer, the Pietermaritzburg-born star leads by example.
Olisa Ndah
The Nigerian international joined the Soweto giants at the beginning of last season from Akwa United and made an immediate impact with 21 appearances for the team last campaign.
Whenever Ndah featured for Pirates, he brought order and stability at the back with his tactical ability and leadership skills. Should the need to captain the side arise in the absence of Maela and Ofori, he will be the most fitting candidate.
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