Orlando Pirates new era: New coach and captain

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Orlando Pirates are set to appoint a new coach and captain to usher in the new era.

Orlando Pirates are in the market for a new coach after parting ways with Jose Riveiro.

Meanwhile, Innocent Maela’s playing days at the club are over. So, the Bucs will be selecting a new captain for the 2025/26 season too. Let’s take a look at the candidates and favourites for these prestigious Pirates positions.

NEW BUCS SKIPPER SET TO BE APPOINTED

Following Innocent Maela’s Pirates departure (as a player), the Soweto giants must appoint a new skipper.

Tapelo Xoki and Nkosinathi Sibisi are the favourites to take over from Maela. Interestingly, Bucs legend Lucky Lekgwathi agrees with this prediction.

“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 stated on SNL.

Both players have led out Pirates in Maela’s abscence.

BIG-NAMES LINKED WITH PIRATES HOTSEAT

Riveiro has left massive boots to fill following his departure.

The Spaniard coached Pirates to five/six domestic cups – . So, Bucs supporters and management alike will want to sign a coach who can build on on his succuss.

Pitso Mosimane, Rulani Mokwena, Benni McCarthy and Manqoba Mngqithi have all been linked with Pirates. Mosimane is a free agent and arguably the fan-favourite. Meanwhile, Mokwena has returned back to SA following his departure from egyptian giants – Wydad Casablanca. The ex-Mamelodi Sundowns coach is also a former Bucs coach having taken over (on an interim basis) back in 2019.

Meanwhile, McCarthy and Mngqithi will not be coaching Pirates next season. McCarthy has just signed a deal with Kenyan outfit – .

Whilst, Mngqithi has just started his new journey with PSL rivals, Golden Arrows. So, neither man is up for contention to coach the Bucs next season. Finally, internally both Carlos Nodar Paz and Mandla Ncikazi are in the picture since they are the Bucs assistant coaches.