The winds of change are blowing through Orlando Pirates. The Sea Robbers will soon have a new man at the helm and a new player wearing the captain’s armband.
Innocent Maela has been released.
Nkosinathi Sibisi, Thalente Mbatha and Thabiso Sesane are all candidates to take over the captaincy. Who leads the charge?
Orlando Pirates captaincy candidates
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.
Best potential Orlando Pirates XI
Chaine; Van Rooyen, Sesane, Mbokazi, Hotto; Mbatha, Nemtajela; Nkota, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng; Mabasa.
The Pirates squad is blessed with players at the sharp end and in both central defence and midfield. However, they lack depth in the full-back areas. Thabiso Monyane and Paseka Mako have been released, while they’ve secured the signing of versatile Baroka star Tshepho Mashiloane. He should challenge both Deano van Rooyen and Deon Hotto for a place.
‘Orlando Pirates are emptying the recycling bin now’
Who should be the next Pirates skipper?
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