Orlando Pirates legend Lucky Lekgwathi has lauded the club for making a bold decision to appoint Nkosinathi Sibisi as their captain, assisted by youngster Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Tapelo Xoki.
Former skipper Innocent Maela was released at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, owing to his advancing age, and has since been given a role off the pitch. Sibisi was the stand-in captain for the better part of the previous season as Maela struggled to get into the starting team.
The former defender insists it was a bold move to trust Mbokazi with that role, but reminded the fans that it is not the first time a decision like that is made.
‘It has been Pirates' tradition'
“Before the club announced the captain, someone asked me to choose five players who could lead, and Sibisi and Mbokazi were on my list, and that person said ‘ahh, Mbokazi is too young', and I told him age was just a number,” he told the Sowetan.
“If you recall in the 2002/03 season, OJ Mabizela was the captain and he was very young (he was just 22 years old) … in fact he's the youngest Pirates captain in history, so Mbokazi can also do it. It has always been Pirates' tradition to believe in young leaders. Sibisi has proven that he's a good leader.
“He's a hard worker, and he's now the Defender of the Season. He's a disciplined boy and now he's also vocal, shouting instructions from the back. I am happy for him and we will also help him as former captains if he needs anything.
Lekgwathi then warned those expecting instant results, “The coach is still new, so people must not put pressure on him. We must just give him time to implement his philosophy. I know supporters, the expectations are high, but for me, winning the league would be a bonus for the coach, although it's our wish.”
