Orlando Pirates have announced that defender Nkosinathi Sibisi has been named as the club’s new captain ahead of the 2025-26 season.

READ: Pirates’ Sibisi opens up after being named captain

Sibisi takes over the captaincy from Innocent Maela, who retired from football following the conclusion of the 2024-25 season.

He will be assisted by Thapelo Xoki and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who have been named as vice-captains.

The Defender of the Season has been ever-present in the Pirates and has made 102 appearances in all competitions while scoring three goals and assisting a further two.

“It is truly an honour and privilege to be named captain of this great institution,” Sibisi said.

“It’s a responsibility that I accept and promise to fulfil the role in the best way I possibly can.”

Orlando Pirates has since released the following statement on his appointment, which reads:

Orlando Pirates Football Club can confirm the appointment of a new Captain and Vice-Captains ahead of the start of the 2025/26 season.

The position of captain has been vacant since the departure of long-serving defender Innocent Maela. Maela led from 2022 to date, having taken over from another stalwart and legend, Happy Jele.

In keeping with club tradition, the appointment came directly from the players themselves through a confidential voting process.

Emerging as the team’s clear choice to wear the captain’s armband is defender Nkosinathi Sibisi.

Sibisi will be assisted by Thapelo Xoki and Mbekezeli Mbokazi who have been named as Vice-Captains.