Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi embraces criticism after trophy-winning season

Nkosinathi Sibisi says he has developed a “thick skin” after years of criticism from Orlando Pirates supporters, with the captain determined to remain focused despite being branded by some fans as the weak link in defence.

The Bafana Bafana centre-back has faced doubts over mistakes and inconsistency during his four years at Pirates, although he has generally produced dependable performances and believes his record shows he deserves his place at the club.

The 30-year-old, who joined from Lamontville Golden Arrows, struggled to secure a regular starting position under former coach Jose Riveiro. He was given an extended run by Abdeslam Ouaddou, particularly after Mbekezeli Mbokazi left for Chicago Fire in the United States.

That change helped Pirates build the side that ended Mamelodi Sundowns’ run of eight successive Betway Premiership titles last season.

Sibisi’s progress at club level was mirrored by his continued involvement with South Africa. Despite criticism following him into the national team, former Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos consistently selected him for major tournaments.

He was part of the squads for the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast in 2024 and Morocco in December and January, as well as the Fifa World Cup in North America this year.

At the recent 2026 Fifa World Cup, Sibisi started South Africa’s opening match, a 2-0 defeat by Mexico at Estadio Azteca. Bafana Bafana struggled to cope with the pressure in that game, after which Sibisi provided squad cover for younger first-choice defenders Mbokazi and Ime Okon in the remaining matches.

At Pirates, meanwhile, his leadership helped the club secure its first league title in 14 years during Ouaddou’s first campaign in 2025-26. The season ended with a treble, as Pirates also won the MTN8 and Carling Knockout.

Sibisi said criticism was sometimes justified, but he tried to use it as motivation rather than allowing it to affect his performances.

“I have grown used to the taking criticism,” he said ahead of Pirates’ MTN8 quarter-final against Durban City at Orlando Stadium on Saturday at 15:00. “Sometimes it is fair, and in that case I take it as best as possible and try to be better. But sometimes it is not fair, and unfortunately there is nothing you can do about it.”

Since Mbokazi’s departure, Sibisi has formed a reliable central-defensive partnership with Lebone Seema, playing in front of goalkeeper Sipho Chaine. The trio were important to Pirates’ outstanding domestic campaign.

Sibisi has also played a part in Pirates’ domestic cup success under Riveiro before the club’s remarkable 2025-26 season. The defender, who was raised in Mpophomeni in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, believes his achievements are evidence that his place in the squad is deserved.

“It is just to keep on trusting and doing what I have been doing because I don’t think it is by chance that I am here. I have been working hard and I have won titles with the club,” he said.

“It has been a great four years for me. I am into my fifth season now and I have grown a thick skin. As long as it doesn’t affect my family, I will deal with it as best as possible.”

Pirates’ recent success has been built around experienced players such as Sibisi, supported by a generation of promising youngsters. Many of those younger players have come through the club’s academy, while others have been recruited from elsewhere.

As one of the senior figures in the squad, Sibisi has welcomed the opportunity to help the next generation follow players who have gone on to make an impact elsewhere, including Relebohile Mofokeng, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Mohau Nkota.

Mofokeng has signed for Royale Union St-Gilloise in Belgium after starring for Bafana Bafana at the World Cup, while Mbokazi is now with Chicago Fire and Nkota is based in Saudi Arabia.

“We have a couple of young players Cemran Dansin is one of them. There are a few of them who will be a revelation this season. There is so much potential with the young group.”

Pirates have introduced several inexperienced players this season, including Siyabonga Dladla, Kabelo Kgositsile, Simphiwe Masilela, Sbangani Zulu and Neo Rapoo. Sibisi has urged supporters to give them time to develop rather than expecting immediate comparisons with the club’s former stars.

“We must be patient with them because not everyone is going to be a Relebohile Mofokeng, Mbekezeli Mbokazi or Mohau Nkota. They need time and I am pleading with our supporters to have the patience.

“As a group, whenever things are not going well, we have to stick together, and even with the young players we need to be patient because you can remember Tshepang Moremi suffered when he came to the team.

“We took a stand to say we can’t treat each other like that because as a family there will be problems and when there are problems we shouldn’t put them in public.”

Pirates will compete in five competitions this season and their squad depth was demonstrated in their opening league match, a 2-0 victory over Milford FC on Saturday.

Mpho Chabatsane, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Deano van Rooyen, Makhehlene Makhaula, Masindi Nemtajela, Andre de Jong, Kabelo Dlamini, Daniel Msendami and Evidence Makgopa were not included in the match-day squad for that victory.

“We have many tournaments this season and we are going to need everyone. Sometimes the guys who start the season are not the ones who are going to finish it.

“We know the qualities of the guys we have and it is for us to keep on pushing. We are going to need everyone throughout the season the depth is there and there is a lot of energy from young players.”