Will 19-year-old Mbekezeli Mbokazi be included in Orlando Pirates' captaincy committee after wearing armband in Spain? Ex-Pirates star Benson Mhlongo insists, 'Being a captain doesn't depend on age'

Defender Innocent Maela left Orlando Pirates at the end of last season and left the Soweto giants looking for a new captain.

Tapelo Xoki who was Maela's first vice-captain, is expected to take over while Nkosinathi Sibisi who wore the armband more last season could also be appointed as the skipper.

But there was a surprise when 19-year-old Mbekezeli Mbokazi wore the Pirates armband during their pre-season match against Granada.

Former Pirates midfielder Benson Mhlongo feels age should not matter in deciding the next Pirates captain.

"You give the armband to someone the technical team and the leadership understand better," Mhlongo told KickOff.

"Being a captain doesn't depend on age. I became captain at Wits just six months after joining, at the age of 22. For me, it's not an issue if Mbokazi becomes permanent captain, as long as it doesn’t overwhelm him. It should be a recognition of his potential and a source of motivation. 

"He shouldn't worry about the talk; he should focus on his performance, and everything will fall into place. I don’t see anything wrong with him being appointed captain; he is right for the job," added the former Bafana Bafana star. 

"Most of the senior players at Pirates right now are devoid of egos, which will make it easier for him to lead if he is made captain." 

The issue of the man who will captain Pirates appears tricky ahead of next season as there will be a team of leaders to be selected.

Xoki, who was Maelas's first understudy, struggled for game time last season even after he recovered from a long-term injury.

Mbokazi was being selected ahead of him and that could leave Sibisi as a possible new Buccaneers captain.

Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is likely to announce his skipper in the upcoming days.

This comes as Pirates are preparing for the MTN8 quarter-final match against Polokwane City on August 2.