Orlando Pirates captain Sibisi sets three-trophy target for new season

Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi “Bhodlela” Sibisi says the club must win at least three trophies this season, including the league title, or regard the campaign as a failure.

The Sea Robbers began their defence of the league title with a 2-0 victory over newcomers Milford at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday. Bafana Bafana forwards Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moreni scored the goals as Pirates made a confident start.

The result came after a landmark campaign for the club, who ended a 14-year wait for the league championship last season. They also won the MTN8 and Carling Knockout trophies, completing a three-trophy haul.

“The tone has been set with the three titles we won last season, so anything shorter than that this season I think would be a failure for us. We have to keep the standard as high as it is,” Sibisi said.

Pirates used the Milford match to introduce several of their new signings, including Neo Rapoo and Kabelo Kgositsile. Simphiwe Masilela, one of the club’s DStv Diski Challenge graduates, also made his professional debut.

Sibisi believes the new arrivals are settling into the squad successfully, but says the club must allow them time to adapt. He warned that not every recruit will immediately make the same impact as recent graduates Relebohile Mofokeng, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Mohau Nkota.

“The process of integrating the new players into the squad is coming along very well. The coach has also said that we should not rush some of the players because it won’t always be the case that we have a Rele, a Mbokazi and a Mohau that just get going as soon as they touch the ball,” he said.

The Pirates captain acknowledged that the pressure to perform remains high, particularly because of the expectations of the club’s supporters.

“Some of these players need time. Unfortunately for them it’s a bit of a two-way street because we know that our supporters always want us to deliver.”

Pirates will next turn their attention to the MTN8, with Durban City providing the opposition in the quarter-finals. The match will be played at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.

The fixture will offer Pirates an early opportunity to continue their pursuit of the high standards Sibisi believes were established by last season’s success. Alongside defending their league title, the club are seeking to retain the MTN8 and Carling Knockout trophies while maintaining their challenge across the campaign.