"Pirates Name New Captain: ‘Haybo, What Happened to Chaine, Ndah, Makhaula?’ Fans React
- Orlando Pirates have appointed Nkosinathi Sibisi as their new captain for the 2025/26 season, following a player vote in line with club tradition
- Thapelo Xoki and Mbekezeli Mbokazi have been named vice-captains, as the Buccaneers prepare to open their campaign with an MTN8 clash against Polokwane City
- Senior players like Olisah Ndah and Sipho Chaine were snubbed, sparking mixed reactions from fans across social media
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Orlando Pirates have officially announced their new captain and vice-captains ahead of the 2025–26 season. The captaincy role became vacant following the departure of long-serving defender Innocent Maela, who had led the team since 2022.
Source: Getty Images
He had taken over the armband from another club stalwart, Happy Jele. In line with the club’s tradition, the new captain was chosen through a confidential vote by the players. Defender Nkosinathi Sibisi emerged as the preferred candidate to wear the armband.
In an official statement, the club said:
"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 had led from 2022, 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."
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See the tweet below:
Reacting to the announcement, 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 in the best way I possibly can."
Sibisi will be supported by Thapelo Xoki and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who have been named as the vice-captains.
See the official announcement link in the tweet below:
There had been widespread speculation in recent days, with rumours suggesting that the armband might be handed to the young Mbokazi. However, the club's confirmation has put those rumours to rest, as the Buccaneers gear up for their MTN8 opener against Polokwane City this weekend.
Source: Getty Images
Star players overlooked
Some fans were surprised that senior players such as Olisah Ndah and Sipho Chaine were overlooked. Ndah had often deputised in Maela’s absence, while Chaine had also been tipped for a leadership role.
See the tweet below:
How did fans react?
@KhumaloNon14982:
"Mxm."
@Aphendulwe07:
"Haybo, what happened to Chaine, Ndah, Makhaula? I would've thought: Captain: Sibisi Vice 1: Chaine Vice 2: Makhaula Vice 3: Sesane."
@Nonny_Pine:
"Bhodlela, my captain 🥹❤️🏴☠️ Nazo 🔥🔥."
@neightm04:
"Another captaincy problem on our hands... With a fit Ndah, Sibisi doesn’t play."
@oudip:
"A captain should be the mouthpiece between players and management (technical staff). What happened to Saleng should never happen to any player in Pirates colours under the watch of the club captain. A coach is not a semi-god and should treat each player with respect, not like his own entity."
Orlando Pirates reach agreement with Saudi club over Rele
Briefly News previously reported that Orlando Pirates had reached an agreement with a Saudi Arabian club regarding the transfer of Relebohile Mofokeng.
Although the reports remain unconfirmed, the deal is believed to be worth around R31 million. If accurate, Mofokeng would join fellow South African Mohau Nkota, who is currently playing his football in Saudi Arabia.
Source: Briefly News
