Orlando Pirates will name a new captain this season after the departure of Innocent Maela. Is this the main candidate?
Innocent Maela spent eight years with the club after moving from Richards Bay in 2017.
Nkosinathi Sibisi, Thalente Mbatha and Thabiso Sesane are all candidates to take over the captaincy. Who leads the charge?
‘Orlando Pirates are emptying the recycling bin now’
Sibisi to skipper Orlando Pirates?
Nkosinathi Sibisi seems to be the leading candidate to take over the Pirates captaincy. The 29-year-old recently skippered Bafana Bafana in a friendly and is highly thought of within the camp. Whether or not he’s a regular in the side when Thabiso Sesane returns is another matter. Sesane has sat out several months after undergoing surgery on a damaged tendon. When the 25-year-old is back to full fitness, he’ll undoubtedly go back into the side. Sesane was outstanding in the centre of defence at the outset of last season, quietly marshalling the back four and leading by example. Gifted teenager Mbekezeli Mbokazi has earned his spot on the left side of that pairing. Could Sesane also get the armband? Another contender is all-action midfielder Thalente Mbatha.
As many as eight arrivals are expected
The ever-reputable @UnplayableZA on X believes Pirates will unveil as many as eight new signings soon. Sihle Nduli, Kabelo Kgositsile, Tshepo Mashilone, Yanela Mbuthuma, Masindi Nemtajela, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Sinoxolo Kwayiba and Tshepang Moremi are all expected to be Buccaneers soon. There are also whispers that the club is keen to do deals for Neo Rapoo and Devin Titus.
Potential Orlando Pirates XI for next season
Chaine; Van Rooyen, Sesane, Mbokazi, Mashiloane; Makhaula, Mbatha; Nkota, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng; Mabasa.
Left-back is an interesting situation with Innocent Maela and Paseka Mako both already gone. Deon Hotto has been the incumbent in that role, although it’s still not his favourite position. Tshepho Mashiloane can cover both full-back positions, so his imminent arrival will be a boost. Remember, Thabiso Monyane also ended his 13-year stay with the club.
Pirates find ‘the new Tlou Segolela’
Who’s your top candidate to be the new captain?
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