New Orlando Pirates Captain Nkosinathi Sibisi Shares MTN8 Ambitions Ahead of Polokwane City Clash
- Newly appointed Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi has broken his silence ahead of the club’s MTN8 quarter-final clash
- Sibisi expressed confidence in the team’s preparations and ambition to secure a historic fourth consecutive MTN8 title
- The Buccaneers, now under the leadership of coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, are tipped as favourites in Saturday’s sold-out encounter
Newly appointed Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi has spoken for the first time ahead of the MTN8 opener scheduled for this Saturday against Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium.
Source: Instagram
Sibisi, who was confirmed as the Buccaneers' new captain earlier this week following the departure of Innocent Maela, expressed optimism that his side could lift a record fourth MTN8 trophy.
“The foundation has been laid during pre-season. We have new players, a new coach, fresh ideas, and also renewed energy from the players who’ve been with the team for the past few seasons,” Sibisi told the media after the MTN8 launch on Wednesday.
Watch the video below:
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“We have quality players in every position, so we just need to work hard and win the MTN8 to set the tone for the rest of the season. Winning it three times in a row, you don’t forget the feeling.
“We want to do it for the fourth time because it’s a feeling you don’t want to lose. We want to defend what’s ours… to be in the club’s history books,” he added.
Watch the video below:
Pirates head into the clash as favourites and have been tipped by football journalist Mandla Biyela.
What did Mandla Biyela say about Pirates' chances?
“Pirates have built a strong cup pedigree. This competition almost feels like it's every year,” Biyela said.
“Despite having a new coach, this shouldn’t be a difficult game for them.”
Source: Instagram
Which players will be expected to have an impact?
The Buccaneers, now under the leadership of Abdeslam Ouaddou, are expected to feature new signing Sipho Mbule and newly appointed captain Sibisi in the line-up. Biyela believes the Soweto giants will cruise to victory.
Mbule joined Orlando Pirates this summer and came with high expectations, despite his free transfer move.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns star is known for his vision, passing range, and composure on the ball, and he is set to bring creativity and balance to the Buccaneers' midfield.
Prediction: Pirates 2–0 Polokwane City.
The match, which is already sold out, will be Ouaddou’s first real competitive test as head coach.
Although the team recently lost promising star Mohau Nkota to Saudi Pro League outfit Al Ettifaq, they still boast the enterprising Relebohile Mofokeng, whose future remains uncertain amid interest from several clubs abroad.
Pirates will also look to unleash former Polokwane City attacking winger Oswin Appollis, who is set to face his former paymasters.
Pirates named among favourites to win Betway Premiership
Briefly News also reported that Orlando Pirates were named among the favourite clubs expected to win the Betway Premiership this season.
The Soweto giants finished second last season on the league table and have what it takes to win the title this campaign.
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Source: Briefly News
