Orlando Pirates Football Club have confirmed the appointment of Nkosinathi Sibisi as the new club captain ahead of the 2025/26 season, following a player-driven voting process.
The captaincy role was left vacant after the departure of long-serving defender Innocent Maela, who led the Buccaneers from 2022 until his exit earlier this year. Maela had taken over the armband from another club legend, Happy Jele, continuing the tradition of strong leadership at the Soweto giants.
In a move that honours the club’s culture, the decision was made internally by the players through a confidential vote. Defender Sibisi emerged as the clear choice to lead the team.
“It is truly an honour and privilege to be named captain of this great institution,” said Sibisi. “It’s a responsibility that I accept and promise to fulfil the role in the best way I possibly can.”
Supporting Sibisi in the leadership group are Thapelo Xoki and rising teenage talent Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who have been appointed as vice-captains for the new campaign.
