Following the departure of Innocent Maela, former Orlando Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi has given three players who are capable of wearing the armband permanently, while he predicted something special for Mbekezeli Mbokazi in future.
Maela was given a hero’s sendoff in the Buccaneers’ final match of the season against Magesi FC, as the club and its supporters honoured him for his services over the years.
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The defender was not a regular in the team, so the captain’s armband would be shared by Tapelo Xoki and Nkosinathi Sibisi. Olisa Ndah is another player who got to wear the armband at some point during the campaign before injury struck.
With Maela gone, Pirates will need a permanent captain and Lekgwathi has given Soccer Laduma three players he feels have what it takes to lead the team.
“I think Tapelo has done well in the team, and he led the team well whenever he wore the armband. I think he can take the role. Another one is Sibisi, who also did a great job whenever he was captain. I think there is room for improvement for both Xoki and Sibisi," Lekgwathi told the Siya crew.
The third option is a player who recently extended his contract with the Buccaneers, veteran midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula.
“The third option for me, with his experience, is Makhaula. He was once the captain of AmaZulu, and I think he can do the job. I believe he can lead the team."
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Lekgwathi is excited with the rise of young defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi and feels he will one day lead the Buccaneers.
“But watch the space. In future, Mbokazi is my future. One day is one day."
