New signing Hugo Ekitike made his debut, linking well with Salah and Cody Gakpo but spurning multiple chances, including an inventive backheel saved by Yokohama goalkeeper Park Il-gyu.

Gakpo hit the post early and later missed a one-on-one, while Darwin Nunez, who replaced Ekitike at the break, also squandered a close-range opportunity.

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Thapelo Xoki and teenager Mbekezeli Mbokazi will serve as Sibisi's vice captains, with the club stating the trio were selected by their teammates in a voting process.

In quotes on the Pirates website, Sibisi said: "It is truly an honour and privilege to be named captain of this great institution.

""It's a responsibility I accept and I promise to fulfill the role in the best way I possibly can."

The Buccaneers paid tribute Maela, who led the club since 2022 before being released ahead of the new season.

A club statement said: "The position of captain has been vacant since the departure of long-serving defender Innocent Maela.

"Maela led from 2022 to date, having taken over from another stalwart and legend, Happy Jele.

"In keeping with club tradition, the appointment came directly from the players through a confidential voting process. Emerging as the team's clear choice to wear the captain's armband is defender Nkosinathi Sibisi.

"Sibisi will be assisted by Thapelo Xoki and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who have been named as vice captains."

Pirates officially start their new season when they host Polokwane City in an MTN8 quarterfinal clash at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

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The 28-year-old was left out of Liverpool's pre-season match against AC Milan on Saturday because of speculation over his future and has now joined Bayern in a deal worth 65.5m pounds.

Diaz leaves Liverpool after helping the club win the Premier League title last season and says he departs the Reds with a "feeling of a duty fulfilled" having won four pieces of major silverware during his time in England.

He add

Iqraam Rayners says Sundowns are well poised to progress in Club World Cup