Orlando Pirates skipper Nkosinathi “Bhodlela” Sibisi has insisted that he's not under pressure to win his first trophy as the club's captain as they take on Stellenbosch in the MTN8 final at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday (6pm).
Sibisi was installed as Pirates' new captain before the start of the season, succeeding Innocent Maela, who retired at the end of last season. Sibisi, who joined Pirates from Golden Arrows in July 2022, has already won five trophies, including the last three editions of the MTN8, since his arrival at the Soweto giants.
“There's no sort of added pressure. I think it's for us as a group, not only for me as an individual to help the team win this trophy one more time,'' Sibisi said during Pirates' media open day at Rand Stadium earlier this week.
“I have been part of the club's success in recent times, winning five trophies and to do it one more time with this group would be special, so there's no pressure on my side... instead the pressure is for everyone,” Sibisi emphasised.
It's good to be back with the guys, training again. We know it's going to be a very difficult encounter, but we're looking forward to it and hopefully we'll get the result. We are looking forward to creating history once again.
— Pirates skipper Nkosinathi “Bhodlela” Sibisi
Sibisi, who turns 30 in two weeks, has also declared himself fit and ready for selection ahead of the Wafa Wafa decider after missing the side's last six matches, across the league and the MTN8, due to an unspecified injury.
“It's good to be back with the guys, training again. We know it's going to be a very difficult encounter, but we're looking forward to it and hopefully we'll get the result. We are looking forward to creating history once again,'' Sibisi said.
“It's never easy whenever you are injured... I am ready for selection as I've been training with the guys.”
Sibisi lauded his deputy in 19-year-old Mbekezeli Mbokazi for skippering the side “with aplomb” in his absence.
“With regards to Mbokazi captaining the team, I think he did a fantastic job. For him to do the things he's been doing, not only for Pirates but for the national team [Bafana Bafana] as well, I say kudos to him; it can only get better for him from here,'' Sibisi said of Mbokazi.
SowetanLIVE
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.