Defender Nkosinathi Sibisi has been confirmed as the new captain of Orlando Pirates for the 2025/26 season, succeeding Innocent Maela[1].
The official club announcement was made on July 30, 2025, highlighting that Sibisi was elected through a vote by his fellow players, continuing the club’s tradition of a player-led captaincy selection[1].
Sibisi, who joined the Buccaneers at the start of the 2022/23 season, has already made over 100 appearances and helped secure five trophies for the team[1]. He is also the reigning 2024/25 Betway Premiership Defender of the Season. In his captain’s statement, Sibisi said, “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”[1].
Thapelo Xoki and Mbekezeli Mbokazi have been named as vice-captains for the new season[1]. The change follows the retirement of previous captain Innocent Maela[4].