Newly appointed Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi says it’s a dream come true to lead the club he supported growing up.
Sibisi is entering the peak of his career at the age of 29, as the new Pirates captain after the retirement of Innocent Maela and freshly crowned Betway Premiership Defender of the Season in a whirlwind 48 hours.
Having joined Pirates three years ago from Golden Arrows, he’s emerged as a leader, a model professional and a pillar of consistency for the Buccaneers and South Africa national team with 16 caps to his name and a bronze medal from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would captain such a big institution, such a great club that I grew up supporting, for me to be given such responsibility is a privilege and an honour for me,” Sibisi said about the decision when asked by iDiski Times.
“I never thought they day would come where I’d captain the club, but I’m really honoured and grateful for the club to give me the opportunity.
Sibisi started the 2024/25 seasons playing second fiddle to the in-from Olisa Ndah and Thabiso Sesane, but after an injury to the Nigeria international defender, he returned to the starting line-up and held his own, never looked back, amassing 42 appearances across all competitions as Pirates won the MTN8, finished runners-up in the league, Nedbank Cup and semi-finalists in the CAF Champions League.
“It’s always nice when there’s competition in the group, as you’ve said last season, I didn’t start the season very well, I was on the sidelines with the guys, but you know, you don’t need to be on the inside to contribute, that’s how I view my role in the team,” he stated about his mental strength after a subdued start personally.
“I’m not always the man in the front, I don’t talk a lot – but I believe I lead through my actions and as you’ve said, I managed to finish the season strong and hopefully it continues this season.”
Sibisi has won five domestic cups, with 102 games to his name over the past three seasons for the club.
