South African defender Nkosinathi Sibisi have officially been named as the new captain of Orlando Pirates, replacing Innocent Maela, who departed the club at the end of the season.
Maela’s exit from the Soweto giants paved the way for the club to announce a new skipper ahead of the upcoming 2025/26 football campaign.
Sibisi, 29, now takes over the armband, with Tapelo Xoki and Mbekezeli Mbokazi serving as the vice-captains of the Soweto giants.
“It’s a true honour and privilege to be appointed captain of this great institution. It’s a responsibility I embrace, and I promise to fulfill this role to the best of my ability,” Sibisi commented.
Sibisi played 25 of the Buccaneers 28 Premiership fixtures last season and was a key feature in their CAF Champions League campaign, which saw them advance to the semi-finals before being bounced by eventual champions Pyramids FC.
Having being in the books of Orlando Pirates since 2022, he is well equipped enough to lead the club in the years ahead.
The 29-year-old recently captained Bafana Bafana in their 2-0 victory over Mozambique in an international friendly in June. Head coach Hugo Broos praised Sibisi and his leadership style following the friendly.
As the new season approaches, the experienced defender will be hoping to guide his outfit to success in the 2025/26 campaign. Meanwhile, eight clubs are expected to compete in the MTN8 tournament to usher in the new campaign.
