Golden Arrows defender Nkosinathi Sibisi admits that a failed move to Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns in the off-season has had an impact on his performance this campaign.
The 25-year-old was one of the most outstanding defenders in the league last season and captained Abafana Bes'thende to a fourth-place finish in the DStv Premiership.
Despite appearing in all the matches this season, Sibisi feels his performance has dropped and reports linking him to Pirates and Sundowns may have made him lose focus.
“What I can say is that I also have ambitions. I don't think there is a player who doesn’t want to play for a big team in the league,” Sibisi told Sowetan. “I just accepted the situation as it was because I’m still contracted to Arrows, so I think it did affect me but not that much.
“I’m not sure why it failed because I didn’t get a concrete approach from anyone, but I’m still playing and I want to show teams that are looking for me to see my talent and not say I’m the one-season wonder.
“But I don’t think my performance is that bad this season, it is not the same, there are so many factors because if you change coaches ... you have to adapt to how the new coach wants you to play. I think it made a difference. For me, I think there is still a lot of improvement to be done.”
Sibisi will have a chance to show what Pirates are missing when they visit Arrows at Princess Magogo Stadium on Saturday (3.30pm).
Pirates will be coming to this game desperate to bounce back to winning ways following their defeat to Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto derby before the Fifa international break.
But the 26-year-old has warned that they will make it difficult for them as they are also desperate for maximum points. “It is an important game for us. It has been a long time without getting all three points and I think going into the match, we need to win at all costs, especially since we are playing at home,” he said.
“We know Pirates' quality in terms of players and them as a club. They will be looking to bounce back from a derby defeat, but it won’t be a walk in the park.”
Fixtures
Saturday: Arrows v Pirates, Princess Magogo, 3.30pm; Stellenbosch v AmaZulu, Danie Craven, 3.30pm; SuperSport v Gallants, Lucas Moripe, 5pm; Baroka v Chippa, Peter Mokaba, 5pm; Cape Town City v Sundowns, Cape Town Stadium, 5.30pm; Sekhukhune v Royal, Ellis Park, 5.30pm
Sunday: Galaxy v Swallows, Mbombela, 3.30pm; Maritzburg v Chiefs, Harry Gwala Stadium, 5.30pm
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