There's a lot that Orlando Pirates legend Lucky Lekgwathi is excited about as the Buccaneers prepare for a new season.
One, the signing of Sipho Mbule makes him genuinely happy. You'd think that Lekgwathi would be excited about the signing of a defender, considering he played at the back, but it's Mbule's acquisition that has been rubbing his hands and waiting impatiently for the season to get underway.
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Pirates made a whole host of signings during the off-season, but it's that one that stands out for Lekgwathi.
"I think all the players are good signings, but if I were to pick one, I'd go for Sipho Mbule. Why? Because people had written him (off). He showed and proved that he is still the Sipho we know. Looking at him, I think he is going to have a good season. If he can just know how to conduct himself and be disciplined because Pirates are not like other teams. It's a big team. They gave him a chance, and so far he's proven himself. As legends who welcomed him to the team, we must continue to encourage him to work hard and to stay humble and disciplined. He will do well for the team," Lekgwathi said to Soccer Laduma.
Another decision that excites Lekgwathi is that of young Mbekezeli Mbokazi being picked as one of the vice-captains to the skipper Nkosinathi Sibisi. Mbokazi has not even had a full year as a regular in the first team, but he's done enough to convince the Bucs management and technical team that he is worthy of such a big role at the club.
The smile on Lekgwathi, during the 2025 MTN8 launch in Randburg on Thursday, was a clear sign of how delighted he is with the decision Pirates have made on Mbokazi.
"I remember I was asked who would be able to captain Orlando Pirates and Mbokazi's name was on my list. I was not surprised to hear that he was named as vice-captain. As a youngster, he is going to learn from Sibisi. This is what happened to Old-John Mabizela. He became the youngest captain at Pirates," Lekgwathi said.
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"The boy (Mbekezeli) has qualities of leading the team. Even if he is quiet, the way he plays and does things...he will continue to learn as a youngster. I have confidence that he will learn. There are former captains like me, Happy (Jele) and Magents (Edward Motale) and we must help him."
And then there's Sibisi. For Lekgwathi, Pirates could not have chosen a better captain. A Bafana Bafana international who's just won the PSL Defender of the Season, Sibisi is without a doubt in a good space in his career to lead the Buccaneers into an era where they hope will finally end the dominance of Mamelodi Sundowns in the league.
"I am happy with the way he conducts himself. I think it's well deserved. We don't question that. I think it's a good decision. He is a Bafana Bafana international, and it's good to be given a chance to lead the team."
Pirates take on Polokwane City in the MTN8 on Saturday, hoping to go all the way and win an unprecedented fourth consecutive title.
