Sibisi urges Orlando Pirates supporters to give youngsters time to develop

Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi has called on the club’s supporters to show patience with the team’s emerging players and avoid comparing them with established young stars such as Relebohile Mofokeng and Mbekezeli Mbokazi.

The Soweto club have again promoted several players from their DStv Diski Challenge team ahead of the new season, with Mpho Padime and Simphiwe Masilela among those given an opportunity to train and compete with the senior squad.

Kabelo Kgositsile has also returned to Orlando Pirates after spending last season on loan at Baroka FC. The winger is regarded as another promising member of the club’s next generation.

Masilela and Kgositsile made their first appearances for Orlando Pirates in the club’s famous Black and White colours during last weekend’s 2-0 Betway Premiership victory over Milford FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena.

Their debuts have added to the excitement among the club’s supporters, but Sibisi believes the expectations surrounding the newcomers must be managed carefully. Speaking at the MTN8 launch this week, the experienced centre-back warned that not every young player will make an immediate impact.

“I think it builds excitement for everyone, it builds excitement for our supporters to say we have new players coming in. But it’s still touch and go,” said Sibisi.

The Orlando Pirates captain said the season would be lengthy and that the club needed to give its younger players time to adjust to senior football. He also pointed out that players develop at different speeds and should not automatically be measured against those who have already established themselves.

“It’s going to be a long season and, as I have said, we need to be patient with some of the boys because there is huge potential.

“We don’t need to rush them because I don’t think everyone is your Relebohile, your Mbokazi, your Mohau [Nkota]. So, I am pleading with our supporters to please be patient with these boys.

“There is a lot to come with the season.

“I know there is pressure to win trophies and everything, but having said that, let’s be patient with some of the boys, and I am sure they will deliver by the end of the season,” added Sibisi.

Orlando Pirates face pressure to compete for silverware, but Sibisi believes that ambition should not come at the expense of the development of the club’s young players. The defender’s comments come after the early involvement of Masilela and Kgositsile in the senior side, with both players now beginning their journeys in the first team.

The club’s supporters, known as the Ghost, have been asked to allow the newcomers the necessary time to settle into the demands of top-level football. Sibisi remains confident that the group has enough potential to make a meaningful contribution as the season progresses.