Orlando Pirates announce new captain and vice-captains

Orlando Pirates have officially named Nkosinathi Sibisi as their new captain for the upcoming 2025/26 season. This announcement comes after the departure of long-serving defender Innocent Maela, who captained the team from 2022 until the end of the 2024/25 season.

Maela, 32, has reportedly been offered a non-playing role within the Pirates camp following his retirement from football.

In a move consistent with club tradition, Sibisi’s appointment was the result of a confidential voting process among the players themselves. The club confirmed on Wednesday that the defender emerged as the clear choice to wear the captain’s armband.

“In keeping with club tradition, the appointment came directly from the players themselves through a confidential voting process,” the club stated. “Emerging as the team’s clear choice to wear the captain’s armband is defender Nkosinathi Sibisi.”

Sibisi will be supported by Thapelo Xoki and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who have been named as the new vice-captains.

Sibisi’s Honour and Experience

The 29-year-old Sibisi expressed his gratitude for the new role. “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.

Sibisi is no stranger to leadership roles. He has previously captained the Buccaneers in Maela’s absence and recently led the Bafana Bafana side during international friendly matches in Polokwane.

His leadership qualities were further recognised when he was named the Betway Premiership Defender of the Season at the PSL end-of-season Awards on Tuesday, beating out Grant Kekana of Mamelodi Sundowns and Thabo Moloisane of Stellenbosch FC. Prior to joining the Buccaneers, Sibisi also captained fellow Betway Premiership side Golden Arrows.

Sibisi’s first official match as captain will be against Polokwane City FC in the MTN8 quarter-final at Orlando Stadium this Saturday.