Hard tackles, smart moves: TLB Mbokazi’s game earns him vice-captain stripes

On Wednesday, July 30, Orlando Pirates officially announced a new leadership structure ahead of the highly anticipated 2025/26 season. 

The club confirmed the appointment of Nkosinathi Sibisi as the new team captain, with Tapelo Xoki and rising star Mbekezeli “TLB” Mbokazi serving as his vice-captains. 

The decision signals a strategic and thoughtful move by the technical team, striking a balance between experience, consistency and youthful grit. 

A natural successor: Sibisi takes the armband

Sibisi steps into the captaincy role vacated by Innocent Maela, and if recent performances are anything to go by, he is more than ready. 

Calm under pressure, vocal and technically sound, Sibisi is widely respected by his teammates - both for his defensive command and his composure in high-stakes moments.

His recent accolade as Defender of the Season at the 2025 PSL Awards only further cements his status as a cornerstone of the Buccaneers’ backline.

He isn’t the flashiest player on the pitch, but his presence is undeniable. Sibisi leads not with theatrics, but with consistency and focus.

As the team gears up for another challenging season, his appointment brings a sense of calm leadership and tactical discipline that will serve the squad well. 

The steady hand of Xoki

Named as one of the vice-captains, Tapelo Xoki brings experience and resilience to the leadership group. While some fans may point out inconsistencies in his performances, it's important to take a balanced view. 

Footballers - especially defenders - will always have good and bad days. The real mark of a leader is how they bounce back, and Xoki has proven time and again that he can rise to the occasion. 

He’s not always in the headlines, but his work rate and ability to marshal the defence should not go unnoticed. He’s reliable, vocal and leads by example.

In many ways, Xoki represents the type of professional any team needs to succeed - a player willing to take responsibility, even when the spotlight is unforgiving. 

Mbokazi: The Meteoric Rise of “TLB”

Then there’s Mbekezeli Mbokazi - perhaps the most exciting development of all. Just five months ago, he made his senior debut.

Today, he stands as vice-captain of one of the biggest clubs on the continent. That’s not just a vote of confidence - it’s a bold statement about his trajectory. 

Affectionately nicknamed “TLB” (The Roadblock), Mbokazi is known for his fearless, physical defending and remarkable composure for someone so young.

At the recent PSL Awards, he walked away with the Nedbank Cup’s Most Promising Player award, a nod to his rapid development and undeniable impact since being promoted to the senior side.

While some may argue it’s a big leap, Mbokazi has already shown that he thrives under pressure.

His inclusion in the leadership team speaks to the faith the coaching staff and club have in his ability - not just as a defender, but as a future cornerstone of Pirates football.

With the new season just around the corner, Pirates fans have every reason to be optimistic. This new leadership trio blends youth and experience, grit and grace, fire and stability. 

Sibisi offers a calm yet commanding presence; Xoki brings seasoned resilience; and Mbokazi injects youthful defiance and hunger.

Of course, the captain's armband doesn’t automatically guarantee results on the pitch - but it sets the tone.

It’s about who players look to when the team is down a goal, who calms the nerves in front of 50,000 fans and who leads the dressing room when the stakes are high.

For now, all eyes turn to the opening fixtures of the 2025/26 season.

One thing is certain: with Sibisi, Xoki and Mbokazi at the helm, Orlando Pirates are charting a bold and promising course - one grounded in hard-earned trust, on-field credibility and an eye on the future.