Orlando Pirates star shares latest on injury and leadership off the pitch

Orlando Pirates assistant captain Tapelo Xoki is hopeful of recovering on time to help the Sea Robbers win the 2025/26 Premier Soccer League crown.

The experienced 31-year-old has not played in a competitive game since May 2025, when he was involved in an accident on the R21 highway alongside coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and goalkeeper coach Tyron Damons.

Despite giving his best to return to action, the centreback has not fully recovered to be involved.

I’m taking it a day at a time – Orlando Pirates’ Xoki

The South Africa international has explained his current situation and how the club’s medical department is helping him get his fitness back.

“I’m still grateful for life, I’m grateful to our physios for the part they played, grateful for the club and everyone who has supported me throughout the journey,” he told the media.

“I’m busy with rehab currently, it’s going well and I’m just taking things one day at a time,” Xoki stated.

How Xoki has been helping Orlando Pirates off the pitch

Xoki explains his main job has been to help the new players to settle and deliver for the Buccaneers.

“For me, whether you are playing or not, the most important conversation is the conversation you have with the group, to always have an impact in terms of affecting the group,” he continued.

“So I try my best to make sure that everyone settles in, the new guys at the club. I make sure they understand the magnitude of the job without putting them under pressure,” Xoki concluded.

Since joining Bucs from AmaZulu, Xoki has played 84 games for Pirates across all competitions, scoring eight goals and providing three assists in the process.