Latest news with #Buccaneers'
IOL News
10 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Hard tackles, smart moves: TLB Mbokazi's game earns him vice-captain stripes
Expect big things from Mbekezeli Mbokazi this season. Image: File 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. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Calm under pressure, vocal and technically sound, Nkosinathi Sibisi is widely respected by his teammates - both for his defensive command and his composure in high-stakes moments. Image: File 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. Tapelo Xoki represents the type of professional any team needs to succeed - a player willing to take responsibility, even when the spotlight is unforgiving. Image: File 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. Expect big things from Mbekezeli Mbokazi this season. Image: File 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.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Is Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield A Top 10 QB?
Is Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield A Top 10 QB? originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is enjoying the best football of his career since moving to the NFC South. He was on the scrap heap, and forced his way into the Buccaneers' starting role and hasn't looked back. Coming off a career year in 2024, when Mayfield threw for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns, some are still waiting for the regression they predicted a year ago. Such has been Mayfield's form, and the current construction of the Buccaneers roster, ESPN's Mike Tannenbaum has the Bucs in the thick of the NFC race, while also having some glowing words for Baker. "I put them right up there with Detroit, Philly, Washington and the Rams, Tannenbaum said on "First Take." "If we just look at how Baker Mayfield has played in Tampa, there's a reason Liam Coen is a head coach. Baker Mayfield has worked his way back into the top 10 conversation." There is no denying that Tampa Bay in 2025 isn't on the outside looking in at the big boy table; it has itself a seat. With an offense considered one of the best in football, along with an improved defense, the Buccaneers should be winning the division and making it to the playoffs for the third straight year under Mayfield. Exactly what his numbers will look like, we can roughly guess, but those don't matter. What is going on is a deep playoff run. It's a deep playoff run or nothing, and that is part and parcel of having a well-rounded roster and a top 10 quarterback leading it. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Offensive Uncertainty Headlines Buccaneers' Training Camp Storylines
Offensive Uncertainty Headlines Buccaneers' Training Camp Storylines originally appeared on Athlon Sports. All offseason, the buzz around the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has largely been driven by the offense and the weapons Baker Mayfield has at his disposal. A stud run game, solid offensive line and pass-catchers who are the envy of the league, the Buccaneers will have no shortage of chances to put up points regularly in 2025. But there are some questions that have to be answered over the duration of training camp for head coach Todd Bowles and his coaching staff. Who steps in for injured tackle Tristan Wirfs, and how "healthy" will Chris Godwin be? For ESPN's Jenna Laine, that is the Buccaneers' biggest storyline of the offseason. "How much will injuries to All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs and Pro Bowl wide receiver Chris Godwin affect quarterback Baker Mayfield?" Laine writes. "The Bucs invested a first-round draft pick in wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, allowing them to be patient with Godwin's rehabilitation. "But Wirfs' injury creates more uncertainty, as they have a new swing tackle in Charlie Heck after Justin Skule departed in free agency. Training camp should give Mayfield a chance to work through life without two crucial members of the offense." Godwin's progression from his ankle injury is less of a concern than Wirfs due to the Bucs' other receivers in Mike Evans, Egbuka, Jalen McMillian and tight end Cade Otton. Left tackle, though, behind Wirfs, doesn't look pretty; however, it does present the opportunity for someone to step up, with Heck expected to be the player to get first crack at the starting job. The offense is going to be the reason the Buccaneers make the playoffs and go on a deep run, but only if it is a well-oiled machine and with the injury to Wirfs and the uncertain nature of Godwin's return, things might not be as smooth as many think. But training camp could go a long way in alleviating those fears. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Buccaneers' Josh Grizzard Embracing 'Pressure' In 2025
Buccaneers' Josh Grizzard Embracing 'Pressure' In 2025 originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard has the task of keeping this high-octane offense rolling in 2025. Taking over from Liam Coen, who is now the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Grizzard has to maintain the offensive standards set last season, which is a high bar to reach considering the Bucs were one of the best offenses in football. Plus, he now has Emeka Egbuka in the ranks as well, giving Baker Mayfield an embarrassment of riches out wide. But for Grizzard, who was speaking on "The Ronde Barder Show," he is embracing the pressure. "I think in the NFL, every year there's pressure. But at the end of the day, pressure is a privilege." Grizzard said. "It's something that, if there's not expectations, then why are we doing it? It's not like we're defending a Super Bowl Championship here, so we have such room to grow, and having the continuity of the staff and the players, there's definitely pressure involved with it but I think that's the fun part about it. Seeing how we, myself is going to react to the pressure." With Mayfield coming off his best-ever season in 2024, Mike Evans looking to break the record for consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and the Buccaneers having a genuine shot at winning the NFC, that is a lot on Grizzard's plate. Additionally, he has never called a game before, as the coordinator has already been honing his skills in minicamp, which is another factor to consider. Still, many are bullish on Tampa Bay this season, given the sheer amount of attacking weapons, plus the expected improvement defensively. If it can all come together, the Buccaneers are going to be a formidable outfit in 2025. And in truth, given the talent on the roster, it has to come together, and that level of pressure is something Grizzard will have to deal with in his first year as a coordinator. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Tampa Bay Buccaneers' David Walker walks out of his rookie season with a confirmed torn ACL
David Walker walks out of the season: Image via X The Tampa Bay Buccaneers irked fans by waiting until the 4th round of the NFL draft last season to find a pass rusher, but when they did, it was a real catch. Central Arkansas product David Walker might be an undersized player with average speed, but his stats flabbergasted the Buccaneers' leadership. A 191 tackles and 31 sacks backed by his stupendous performance during the Senior Bowl confirmed his seat in the Buccaneers' locker room. The rookie had a lot to prove to the fans, to the team that kept faith in him throughout. But before he could even lace up his shoes for that, an abrupt injury got in the way, and it came out worse than you thought. David Walker ended his rookie season before it started The NFL did a brutal job of postponing the dream of a 25-year-old when it meant the most. Walker looked impressive in the camp and was on a mission to clinch a spot on the 53-man roster. Sure, it wouldn't be a cakewalk. But with proper training and hard reps, Walker had the potential to achieve that speed and the other tools to carve a path to professionalism. But now, he will have to wait for a season to sail smoothly. On Friday's practice, Walker was seen crunching his legs in pain. It turned out he had torn his ACL. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Resmed AirSense 11 with flat 20% off ResMed Buy Now Undo However, the severity of the injury remained unknown until an official confirmation was made on Monday, July 28th, dashing the hopes of many fans and veterans. ' The Bucs suffered their first unfortunate season-ending injury during training camp as the team lost rookie outside linebacker David Walker to a torn ACL ,' Pewter Report's Scott Reynolds spilled. ' Walker suffered a knee injury at the very end of Friday's practice during a two-minute drill.' The 6'2 will undergo surgery shortly. What does David Walker's injury mean for the Buccaneers' preseason drive? Walker has shown tremendous potential in the Buccaneers' linebacker room. His injury definitely came as a shock to Todd Bowles and the rest of the team, but not as a threat at all. The Bucs likely planned to kick-start their season with Haason Reddick and YaYa Diaby, while Walker butted heads with Anthony Nelson and Chris Braswell for the playing time. Walker's walkout means a drop in their depth chart, especially after how they received back-to-back injury news. Tod Bowles didn't get his QB, Michael Pratt, to camp yet. " He has a lower back injury, and he is week-to-week, " stated Bowles. " So, we do not know when his return will be, but he is still sore back there.'' However, the Bucs are clearly striving for greatness in the season with or without their rookie pass rusher, David Walker, or other injured guns on the line. Also read: Buffalo Bills look to end Super Bowl drought in 2025 but Kansas City Chiefs remain key threat | NFL News - Times of India Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
