Orlando Pirates has announced the appointment of a new captain and vice-captains for the upcoming 2025/26 campaign.
The captaincy role, vacant since the departure of long-serving defender Innocent Maela, has now been officially filled. Maela wore the Buccaneers armband from 2022, following in the footsteps of club legend Happy Jele.
True to Pirates tradition, the leadership vote was conducted confidentially—by the players, for the players.
Emerging as the squad’s unanimous choice to don the armband is seasoned defender Nkosinathi Sibisi.
“It’s a tremendous honour to be named captain of this iconic club,” said Sibisi. “I embrace the responsibility wholeheartedly and will serve with dedication and pride.”
𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 | 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) July 30, 2025
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Supporting Sibisi in his leadership duties are Thapelo Xoki and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who have been named vice-captains.
The new leadership group steps in with the full backing of the locker room, poised to steer the Sea Robbers into a new chapter.