Nkosinathi Sibisi opens up on Pirates captaincy mission

Orlando Pirates defender Nkosinathi Sibisi has opened up on the captaincy issue, having donned the armband in the absence of Innocent Maela recently. 

Pirates’ skipper Maela is a doubt for Saturday’s Soweto Derby semi-final clash against Kaizer Chiefs due to injury.

The Bafana Bafana defender missed the 1-1 draw against Royal AM in a DStv Premiership clash on Wednesday, 3 May 2023. 

In his absence, the man nicknamed ‘Bhodlela’ captained the team, a role he also performed at his previous club Golden Arrows.

The armband has been passed around within the team, with the likes of Richard Ofori, Siyabonga Mpontshane, Thembinkosi Lorch, and Thabang Monare taking turns to lead the Soweto giants.

The 27-year-old centre-back, Sibisi, has since shed light on why we would love to continue captaining the side. 

NKOSINATHI SIBISI ON CAPTAINING ORLANDO PIRATES 

“I think that comes naturally. We have a good bunch of players and great leaders,” said Sibisi.

“As you have seen, the armband has been rotating for the whole season now. Whether it’s Ofori, Mpontshane, Lorch, Monare, or Maela.”

He went on to express his delight to have led the team and hopes to continue leading the Soweto giants moving forward. 

“So, it’s been very special for me to wear the armband. And hopefully, I can wear it even going forward,” he added. 

GUNNING TO FINISH HIGHER 

With Jose Riveiro’s side gunning to qualify for the CAF Interclub competitions, Sibisi revealed that they have aimed to challenge for everything this campaign. 

“I think for us, it’s about finishing as higher as possible,” explained Sibisi. 

“We are not only focusing on whether it’s the CAF Champions League or Confederation Cup. But it’s about finishing as higher as possible because that has been one of our objectives coming into the season. We aim to fight for every cup and finish higher.” 

The Sea Robbers will face the Glamour Boys in a sold-out affair at FNB Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 3:00pm. 

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