Orlando Pirates captain Sibisi warns of Durban City threat in MTN8 quarter-final

Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi has warned his team-mates against complacency as the defending champions begin their MTN8 campaign against Durban City on Saturday.

The Buccaneers will host the quarter-final at Orlando Amstel Arena, with the club aiming to win the competition for a record fifth consecutive season.

Pirates have dominated the MTN8 in recent years. They secured their fourth successive title last season after beating Stellenbosch FC 3-0 in the final, with Tshepang Moremi scoring twice and Tshegofatso Mabasa adding the other goal.

That victory gave Abdeslam Ouaddou and his players their first trophy of the 2025/26 campaign. Pirates went on to complete a domestic treble by also lifting the Carling Knockout Cup and the Betway Premiership title.

Despite that impressive record, Bafana Bafana centre-back Sibisi believes Pirates must approach their opening match with full concentration, particularly given Durban City’s previous performance against them.

“It’s a competition we’ve become familiar with, and one we’ve enjoyed success in,” he told Pirates’ official website.

“We’re looking forward to facing Durban City and starting another MTN8 campaign. Whenever we play Durban City, it’s always a game with consequences.

“We know the quality they have, and we’ve prepared well as a team.

“We saw what they did to us at E’sgodini last season. We were cruising, but they almost spoiled the party.

“That alone tells us the kind of team we’re coming up against, so we have to be switched on from the first minute.”

Sibisi’s comments reflect the respect Pirates have for Durban City, who caused the champions problems when the sides met at E’sgodini last season.

Although Pirates appeared to be in control of that match, Durban City came close to disrupting their plans. For Sibisi, that experience is a reminder that Saturday’s tie could turn quickly if the home side fail to maintain its focus.

The fixture gives Pirates the opportunity to start their defence of the trophy in front of their home support, while also moving one step closer to a fifth straight MTN8 triumph.

The club’s recent success means they will enter the match as favourites, but Sibisi has made clear that past achievements will not be enough to secure progress. Pirates’ preparation has been thorough, but the captain insists their concentration must be maintained from the opening whistle.

Durban City will therefore arrive at Orlando Amstel Arena knowing that Pirates’ pursuit of another trophy could be tested from the outset. For the holders, the challenge is to turn their experience and quality into a winning start without underestimating opponents who have already shown they can unsettle them.