Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi says the decision to award Mbekezeli Mbokazi a role as vice-captain is not a surprise.
The teenager has enjoyed a meteoric rise, from starting the season in the DStv Diski Challenge, winning the U20 Cosafa Cup, to his promotion to the senior team, senior national team debut and winning the Nedbank Cup Most Promising Player award.
He went on to feature 19 times in the first team and wore the captain’s armband in their recent pre-season friendlies in Spain, which signalled to onlookers of a potential leadership role as Pirates restructure after the retirement of Innocent Maela.
“The signs were there [in Spain], he’s been our captain in the DDC, so it’s no surprise, and looking at the direction the club is heading towards is preparing for the the future, because we won’t always be there,” Sibisi said at the MTN8 launch on Wednesday evening.
“So it’s for him to take over and for us to guide him, and show him how things are done, how you present yourself, how you treat others you know and I think it’s a responsibility we take with full hands, not only me but the other captains you now.”
Mbokazi will be aiming to retain his place in the starting line-up when Pirates open their season at Orlando Stadium on Saturday against Polokwane City (15h00).
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