Orlando Pirates skipper shrugs off early-season criticism after MTN8 win
15th September 2025
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Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi says their MTN8 triumph proves the team was always on the right track, despite a sluggish start in the Betway Premiership.
The Buccaneers swept aside Stellenbosch FC 3-0 after extra time on Saturday night, securing a fourth successive title in the competition.
Earlier this season, a section of the club’s supporters had called for coach Abdeslam Ouadduou’s dismissal after back-to-back league defeats.
Sibisi, however, insists those were only minor setbacks, pointing to the team’s strong resurgence.
"Look, you know whenever there's change, there are doubts and uncertainty so for us we knew what we are capable of doing and I think we proved it when we were in Spain. It was a matter of a hiccup, you know, a slow start in the league but we know what we can do with the quality that we have, there's no way we shouldn't be dreaming of lifting every trophy and what a better way to start off with the MTN8 trophy," Sibisi said.
The centre back is of the opinion Pirates have to be part of the league title race conversation yet again in this campaign.
"There's no way we cannot dream of pushing for every trophy, with the quality that we have, the squad that we have, the depth that we have. I think it's only fair that we repay the club by winning such tournaments and such titles. For us, it's just a matter of, keep going and let's see what the future holds," he added.
With the recent car accident that left a few of the Pirates technical staff members and defender Tapelo Xoki injured, Sibisi dedicated the cup win to them as well.
"Look, you know it's for everyone, for those that are with us and those that are not with us. For us, it's a team effort and we continue going."
