Orlando Pirates Confirm Nkosinathi Sibisi as New Club Captain Ahead of 2025/26 Season

Orlando Pirates have officially announced their new club captain ahead of the upcoming 2025/26 season, naming defender Nkosinathi Sibisi as the successor to long-serving skipper Innocent Maela. The Soweto giants revealed the appointment on Wednesday through a club statement, confirming that Sibisi earned the captaincy through a confidential player vote in keeping with Pirates’ tradition of allowing the squad to select their leader.

The 29-year-old defender, who joined the Buccaneers at the start of the 2022/23 season, quickly became an integral figure in the team. Since arriving at Orlando Pirates, Sibisi has made over 100 appearances and contributed to the club’s success by helping secure five major trophies. His standout performances also earned him the 2024/25 Betway Premiership Defender of the Season award.

Speaking to the club’s media, Sibisi—affectionately nicknamed ‘Bhodlela’—expressed his pride and commitment to the role.

“It is truly an honour and privilege to be named captain of this great institution. It’s a responsibility that I accept and promise to fulfil the role in the best way I possibly can,” he said.

In addition to Sibisi’s captaincy, Orlando Pirates announced that Thapelo Xoki and promising young talent Mbekezeli Mbokazi (20) will serve as vice-captains for the new season. Both players bring valuable leadership experience; Xoki has regularly donned the armband in the absence of previous captains over the past two years, while Mbokazi has captained the club’s Reserves team, showcasing his leadership potential.

The captaincy became vacant following the departure of Innocent Maela, who led the team from 2022 until recently, taking over from Pirates legend Happy Jele. The smooth transition signals the club’s continued emphasis on leadership continuity and player-driven decision-making.

Orlando Pirates supporters will be hoping Sibisi’s leadership helps steer the team towards more silverware as they prepare for another competitive campaign across domestic and continental competitions.

With a squad infused with talent and experience, the appointment of Nkosinathi Sibisi as captain marks a fresh chapter in Pirates’ quest to reclaim their status as one of South Africa’s most successful football clubs.