Orlando Pirates are currently without a captain following the release of Innocent Maela a couple of weeks ago.
The long-serving defender was let go after his contract expired, and with age catching with him, the Buccaneers felt he would be useful in another department outside the pitch.
New Buccaneers coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is expected to name his new skipper soon. But who should he consider? Have a look at the best candidates for the job at the club.
Sipho Chaine
The goalkeeper has been serving the goalkeeper discreetly, always striving to give his best. His consistency saw the Sea Robbers deliver, not only domestically but abroad as well.
Chaine is also a Bafana Bafana international and commands some level of respect in the team. A strong candidate to take over from Maela.
Nkosinathi Sibisi
In the absence of Innocent Maela, Olisa Ndah, and Tapelo Xoki, Sibisi skippered the Buccaneers effectively in the concluded season. He led by example both on and off the pitch.
Sibisi ensured that he provided leadership to youngsters, regardless of the caliber of the matches they were playing. The South Africa defender is among the favourites to succeed Maela as the new captain.
Olisa Ndah
The Nigeria international is the club's first assistant captain who, prior to his injury, showed his exceptional skills on the pitch. He was seen as a natural heir to Maela before being forced to the sidelines for the better part of the 2024/25 campaign.
Now that he is fully fit, the Super Eagle can be trusted with the job on a permanent basis. Just like Sibisi, he commands respect in the team and knows how to motivate other players.
Deon Hotto
The Namibia international is referred to as Mr Reliable owing to his consistency regardless of the position he plays. The 35-year-old has been serving Bucs since 2020, always bringing his best when given an opportunity.
Hotto is not the controversial type, always focused on his job to ensure Bucs get the best. Definitely, he will not be at the club for long, but the Soweto giants can effectively use him in the leadership role.
Tapelo Xoki
Xoki was another player who deputised for Maela before injury came knocking early in the season. He spend a lot of time on the sidelines before eventually forcing his way into the starting team in the latter stages of the season.
The South Africa international is one of the popular figures in the dressing room and has been strongly tipped to take over from Maela.
