Orlando Pirates are gearing up for a new chapter as they search for a new coach and captain ahead of the 2025/26 season.
The Soweto giants recently parted ways with their coach, Jose Riveiro, leaving a significant vacancy in the team’s leadership.
At the same time, Innocent Maela’s playing days at Pirates have come to an end, which means a new captain must be appointed to lead the team on the field.
New Pirates Captain to Be Announced Soon
With Innocent Maela no longer part of the squad, the responsibility of captaincy will fall to a new player.
Tapelo Xoki and Nkosinathi Sibisi have emerged as the front-runners for the prestigious role.
Pirates legend Lucky Lekgwathi has voiced his support for these choices.
“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 said on SNL.
Both Xoki and Sibisi have stepped in as captains during Maela’s absence, proving their leadership capabilities.
Big Names in the Running for Pirates Coaching Job
Replacing Jose Riveiro will not be an easy task.
The Spaniard won five or six domestic trophies during his time with Pirates, setting a high standard for the next coach.
Several prominent candidates have been linked with the role.
Pitso Mosimane remains a fan favourite and is currently a free agent.
Rulani Mokwena has recently returned to South Africa after leaving Egyptian giants Wydad Casablanca. Mokwena is no stranger to Pirates, having served as interim coach in 2019.
Benni McCarthy and Manqoba Mngqithi have also been mentioned, but neither are available for the Pirates job next season.
McCarthy recently signed with a Kenyan club, while Mngqithi has joined Golden Arrows.
Internally, Pirates assistant coaches Carlos Nodar Paz and Mandla Ncikazi are also in consideration.
Who Should Lead Orlando Pirates Next Season?
The upcoming appointments of a new coach and captain are vital for Pirates as they look to build on recent successes.
Bucs fans and management alike are eager to see who will take the helm both on and off the pitch.
Who do you think should be the next Orlando Pirates coach? And who deserves to be the new captain next season?