Soweto club Orlando Pirates have confirmed their new captain ahead of the 2025/26 Premier Soccer League campaign.

Nkosinathi Sibisi takes over from Innocent Maela, who was the skipper last season and is expected to assume a different, non-playing role within the club, if reports are anything to go by.

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

“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,” reads the statement.

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

Speaking on his new captaincy 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 the role in the best way I possibly can.”

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