Orlando Pirates expected to extend Nkosinathi Sibisi’s contract

Orlando Pirates are expected to extend Nkosinathi Sibisi’s contract despite the club yet to begin negotiations with the experienced defender, according to former goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane.

Sibisi’s current agreement with the Buccaneers expires at the end of the season. However, Mabokgwane believes Pirates’ decision not to offer him a new deal early in the campaign is deliberate, arguing that it can help maintain a player’s motivation and performance levels.

“Firstly, I must commend the Orlando Pirates leadership because they have transformed the squad. You can see there are a lot of young players in the squad and that has not disturbed the flow in any way. You can see that there is a handful of senior players, so that’s something that’s difficult to do for any young, to blend in the young blood with the seniors. They’ve done a tremendous job,” Mabokgwane told Soccer Laduma.

He said the club’s approach to contract negotiations was consistent with what he had observed during his time there, and suggested Sibisi would ultimately be rewarded with an extension.

“With regards to Sibisi, the team does not really like to do things early, from my experience, which is also good because it keeps playing pushing until the very end. Sibisi is one of the senior players, but it’s good what they do at the club. Sometimes to offer you a contract or an extension too early takes away that hunger and desire to keep on pushing,” he said.

“At a club like Pirates, competition is high, so you always have to be on top of your game. I believe he will probably get an extension. If you look at a player like (Deon) Hotto, last season it went up until the very end of his contract and then he got an extension. That kept him pushing throughout and you can see that he is still pushing and performing.”

Sibisi will be able to sign a pre-contract with another club when the January transfer window opens. Despite that possibility, he is not expected to pursue that option, with Pirates likely to have first preference.

The Soweto club continue to value the contribution of the Bafana Bafana defenders and, at this stage, the expectation is that Sibisi will remain at Orlando Pirates beyond the current season.

Sibisi joined Pirates from Golden Arrows in 2022. He became the club’s full-time captain in 2024/25, after Innocent Maela ended his playing career.