Orlando Pirates have confirmed their new captains ahead of the 2025/26 Premier Soccer League campaign.
The position fell vacant following the release of Innocent Maela, who was deemed surplus to requirements owing to his age. Olisah Ndah and Sipho Chaine were among the front-runners for the leadership role at the Buccaneers.
However, injuries must have worked against the Super Eagles star, who missed a big section of the 2024/25 season. The goalkeeper has been overlooked in favour of his defenders, who played a key role in helping the Sea Robbers finish second in the PSL as well as reach the Caf Champions League semi-final.
Pirates confirm their captains!
“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,” read a statement from the club.
“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,” they concluded.
