Orlando Pirates are gearing up for a fresh start with a new coach and captain to lead the club into the next chapter.
After parting ways with Jose Riveiro, the Buccaneers are on the hunt for a new head coach. At the same time, Innocent Maela’s playing career at Pirates has come to an end, meaning a new captain will be chosen for the 2025/26 season. Let’s break down the top candidates for these crucial roles.
New Pirates Captain in the Making
With Maela gone, Pirates need a new leader on the pitch. Tapelo Xoki and Nkosinathi Sibisi are the frontrunners to take over the captain’s armband. Even club legend Lucky Lekgwathi agrees with this assessment.
“I think Tapelo has done well for the team and handled the captaincy whenever given the chance. He’s ready for the role,” Lekgwathi told Soccer Laduma. “Sibisi also stepped up as captain and did a solid job. Both have room to grow, but they’re good options.”
Both Xoki and Sibisi have already captained Pirates in Maela’s absence, making them natural choices.
Big Names in the Running for Pirates Coaching Job
Replacing Riveiro won’t be easy. The Spaniard guided Pirates to five domestic trophies, so the pressure is on to find someone who can match or exceed that success.
Rumours link big names like Pitso Mosimane, Rulani Mokwena, Benni McCarthy, and Manqoba Mngqithi to the Pirates’ coaching vacancy. Mosimane, a free agent and fan favourite, is high on the list. Mokwena recently returned to South Africa after leaving Egyptian giants Wydad Casablanca. He’s no stranger to Pirates, having served as interim coach in 2019.
However, McCarthy and Mngqithi won’t be taking the Pirates job next season. McCarthy just signed with Kenyan club Tusker FC, while Mngqithi recently joined Golden Arrows.
Inside the club, assistant coaches Carlos Nodar Paz and Mandla Ncikazi are also in the mix for the head coach role.
