Pirates captain Sibisi sets sights on every remaining trophy

Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi “Bhodlela” Sibisi says the club are targeting every trophy still available this season after surrendering the MTN8 last month.

Pirates lost 2-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns in the final in Durban, meaning they could not retain the competition they won previously. However, they remain on course to defend both their league title and the Carling Knockout, while also competing in the group stages of the CAF Champions League.

The Nedbank Cup will provide another opportunity for silverware later in the campaign.

“We can do quite a lot this season. We are gunning for everything. We fell short in the MTN8 [by losing 2-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns in the final in Durban last month], but there’s still plenty to play for,” Sibisi said.

Pirates’ immediate task is a Carling Knockout quarter-final against Sekhukhune United at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday at 3pm.

“There’s still the league and the Carling Knockout to defend, while we are also in the Champions League. Later on there’s the Nedbank Cup to win, so we are going for everything.”

Champions League challenge

The Soweto club have been drawn in Group C of the CAF Champions League alongside Simba of Tanzania, coached by SA tactician Steve Barker, Morocco’s RS Berkane and Cameroonian side Colombe Sportive.

Sibisi believes the continental competition will provide a tougher examination than domestic football, particularly after Pirates fell short in the previous two seasons.

“In the Champions League, it’s a different ball game; it’s a level higher. It’s going to be a good test to see where we are as a team after falling short in the past two seasons,” he said.

The captain also praised coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s demanding approach and said players who have recently joined Pirates would take time to understand his expectations.

“We’ve gotten used to working with the coach. For some of us who’ve been with him for the past season, it’s been easier for us to understand what he wants and what he demands,” Sibisi said.

“I think everyone who’s just come in will also learn and understand him, because he doesn’t demand good but he demands excellence… whenever we win 3-0 or 4-0, he is always adamant that we should have won 8-0 or 10-0. He’s a straight talker, so for us it’s just to take it in a positive manner.”

The Carling Knockout quarter-finals begin on Saturday when Pirates host Sekhukhune United at Orlando at 3pm.

On Sunday, Kaizer Chiefs play Siwelele at Peter Mokaba at 3pm, before Stellenbosch face AmaZulu at Danie Craven at 6pm.

Also on Sunday, Mamelodi Sundowns meet USM Alger in the CAF Super Cup at Loftus Versfeld at 3pm.