OFFICIAL: Olisa Ndah & Sipho Chaine snubbed as Orlando Pirates confirm Bafana Bafana stars as their captains ahead of the 2025/26 Premier Soccer League campaign

In the last couple of weeks, there have been many changes at Orlando Pirates in their quest to do better in the 2025/26 season.

Abdeslam Ouaddou took over from Jose Riveiro, who opted against renewing his contract at the club in favour of a new challenge with Al Ahly.

Innocent Maela is also among the players who were let go owing to his advancing age.

It was obvious the club had to confirm a new captain to succeed Maela, who had served the Sea Robbers for three seasons.

Olisah Ndah, who always acted as the captain in the absence of Maela, was expected to be handed the mantle following his recovery from injury.

Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine had also been tipped for the role, but it seems the technical team had other ideas.

"Orlando Pirates Football Club can confirm the appointment of a new Captain and Vice-Captains ahead of the start of the 2025/26 season," the club confirmed through their media team.

"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," Bucs continued.

"In keeping with club tradition, the appointment came directly from the players themselves through a confidential voting process.

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

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

Sibisi is ready for the new assignment.

"It is truly an honour and privilege to be named captain of this great institution," he said.

"It’s a responsibility that I accept and promise to fulfil the role in the best way I possibly can," he concluded.

Sibisi and his assistants have to give their best and help the new coach realise their objectives for the new season.

The main target, arguably, will be the Premier Soccer League trophy, which Mamelodi Sundowns have won for the last eight seasons in a row.