Sibisi Appointed Orlando Pirates Captain, Fresh from Defender of the Season Honors

Nkosinathi Sibisi has been named the new captain of Orlando Pirates, following a confidential voting process among the players themselves, a tradition upheld by the club.

This appointment comes after the departure of long-serving defender Innocent Maela, who captained the team from 2022 to 2025 and will reportedly assume a non-playing role within the club.

Sibisi's leadership qualities and exceptional performance on the field made him the clear choice for the captain's armband. Notably, he was crowned the Betway Premiership Defender of the Season at the 2024/25 PSL Awards ceremony held on July 29, 2025, beating out Grant Kekana of Mamelodi Sundowns and Thabo Moloisane of Stellenbosch FC.

Sibisi will be ably assisted by Thapelo Xoki and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who have been appointed as Vice-Captains. This leadership trio is expected to bring stability and continuity to the team as they embark on the 2025/26 season.

"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," Sibisi said, expressing his gratitude for the new role.

With Sibisi at the helm, Orlando Pirates look set to tackle the new season with renewed hope and determination, starting with their MTN8 quarter-final against Polokwane City FC at Orlando Stadium.