Orlando Pirates defender Nkosinathi Sibisi has opened up on the moment he was confirmed as the new club captain ahead of the 2025/26 season, and why he believes 19-year-old Mbekezeli Mbokazi is the right man to serve as vice-captain despite his age.
Speaking at the MTN8 launch in Randburg, where the Buccaneers prepare to host Polokwane City in Saturday’s quarter-final, Sibisi detailed the moment head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou made the dressing room announcement.
“Yeah, look, behind the scenes, we were having our meeting as per usual, and the coach told us he had an announcement to make,” Sibisi explained.
“He then told us that the players had elected a new captain, and who it was going to be, along with the vice-captains.”
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Eyebrows were raised when it was revealed that Mbokazi, a teenager with limited senior experience, had been promoted to a vice-captain role. Sibisi, however, believes the decision makes perfect sense.
“He has been captaining the DDC side and I think that speaks to his character and the person he is. From the very first time I saw him when he came to training, you could see a brave boy, an ambitious boy.”
“I don’t think it’s going to be a shocker for him. And I think it speaks to what the club wants to do. It’s not only looking at the present, but we’re also looking to the future,” he added.
Pirates will be hoping their new leadership group can steer the team toward another MTN8 triumph, with Sibisi set to wear the armband officially for the first time when they take on Rise and Shine at Orlando Stadium.
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