Johannesburg - Orlando Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi has ended any rumours of a move away from the club after penning a new deal with the Soweto giants.

The burly centre-back has been tipped with a move overseas following his double treble success with the Sea Robbers last season, but he has dismissed those claims and agreed a new contract with the Buccaneers on Monday.

The deal will take the skipper's stay with the Mayfield heavyweights to over a decade, and the 35-year-old admits he never once thought about leaving the club after signing his first deal with them in 2002.

"Look, I said it before and I will say it again: this is home and I will never leave Orlando Pirates," he told the club's official website.

"I have a very good relationship with the chairperson, I can go to him whenever there are issues I need help on.

"The subject of the contract has never been an issue for me because this is home. The renewing of my contract is just a formality."

Lekgwathi's first piece of business after extending his stay will be to lead the team out in the opening round of the MTN8 against Bloemfontein Celtic on Friday evening.

"On Friday we start our defence of the MTN8 title; we are ready for battle and will do everything in our power to make sure that we beat Bloemfontein Celtic," he added.

"Obviously, we cannot underestimate our opposition because they are a very tough side.

"We need to stick to basics and make sure that we capitalise on the chances we create on the day."