Former Orlando Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi expects Abbubaker Mobara to be the club's next captain following the departure of Oupa Manyisa.

In the wake of Manyisa's move to Mamelodi Sundowns, there have been different views as to who should inherit the armband at the Buccaneers and Lekgwathi has tipped the 23-year-old Mobara as heir to the captaincy.

"I think Mobara will be a good choice. I will be happy to see him taking the armband because he is young and has shown a great character.

"If they can name him the captain, I'll arrange a meeting with him just to advise and guide him," Lekgwathi told Sowetan on the sidelines of the MTN8 launch yesterday in Johannesburg.

"With my 14 years of experience at Pirates, meeting him would definitely help him. I have never heard of any bad stories about him.

"He is a good boy on and off the field. He always gives 100% when he plays. Last season, he was our best player, he led by example.

"Another thing that I like about Mobara, is that he communicates with his teammates on the field,'' said the 41-year-old retired defender.

As the MTN8 marks its 10th anniversary this season, it will be the first time that Pirates do not participate in the "Wafa Wafa" competition after finishing outside the top-eight bracket last season.

Lekgwathi hopes that the setback will be a lesson for the Soweto giants going forward.

"It is unbelievable that Pirates are not part of this cup [MTN8] but what is important for players is to learn from this experience. Missing out will give them some extra time to prepare for the league. It must not happen again," he said.

Last week, Bucs announced Milutin "Micho" Sredojevic as replacement for Kjell Jonevret who had resigned.

Lekgwathi is hopeful that Sredojevic will turn the club's fortunes around in his second stint at the Buccaneers.