Orlando Pirates chase record fifth successive MTN8 title

Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi says the club’s recent dominance of the MTN8 has only increased their determination to win the competition again as they begin their title defence against Durban City on Saturday.

The Buccaneers have lifted the trophy in each of the past four editions of South Africa’s premier knockout competition. They now have the opportunity to become the first club to win the MTN8 five times in succession.

Pirates will host Durban City in the quarter-final at Orlando Amstel Arena, with Sibisi saying the desire to experience further success remains a powerful source of motivation for the squad.

Speaking at the MTN8 launch in Randburg this week, the Pirates captain said the team’s familiarity with winning the tournament had not diminished their enthusiasm.

“It’s a competition that we are so used to being at and so used to winning it. We just want to keep that feeling,” said Sibisi.

The quarter-final will also provide the defending champions with the chance to establish an early tone in their campaign.

“The boys have prepared as well as possible for the game on Saturday. It’s always nice to be the curtain-raiser and try to set the tone,” Sibisi added.

“For us, we’re looking forward to playing Durban City. We know it’s going to be a difficult game, but I’m sure if we bring our A-game, we’ll be able to get a positive result.”

Pirates’ record in the competition makes them the obvious favourites, but Sibisi warned that their opponents cannot be underestimated.

Durban City pushed Pirates hard when the sides met at Orlando Amstel Arena during the previous campaign. Although Durban City ultimately lost, their performance left a lasting impression on the Pirates captain.

“We saw what they did to us at E’sgodini (Orlando Amstel Arena) last season,” Sibisi said.

“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.”

Durban City will arrive in Johannesburg with confidence after an impressive return to the Betway Premiership last season. They finished eighth in the league and secured the Nedbank Cup, underlining their ability to challenge more established teams.

They will also begin this campaign with a new technical team led by Ben Khalil Youssef. Saturday’s meeting with the reigning MTN8 champions will therefore offer an early measure of the progress being made under the new leadership.

Pirates, meanwhile, will look to maintain the winning culture they have established in the tournament since their four successive triumphs. The club will continue that pursuit under head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.

A victory would take Orlando Pirates a step closer to an unprecedented fifth consecutive MTN8 crown and further strengthen their status as the competition’s dominant force.