Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi ahead of Carling Knockout final: 'Defenders win you titles'

Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi is in confident mood ahead of the Carling Knockout final.
Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi is in confident mood ahead of the Carling Knockout final.PHILL MAGAKOE / AFP

Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi is confident his side can take home a second piece of silverware this season when they clash with Marumo Gallants in Saturday’s Carling Knockout final in Polokwane.

Pirates will be overwhelming favourites but have won just one of their nine finals in this competition before, which includes shock defeats to Platinum Stars in 2013 and Baroka in 2018.

“I think the guys are preparing well,” Sibisi said. “The boys are looking sharp. We know that it is a cup that has been eluding us for quite some time now, but we're really looking forward to playing the game on Saturday.

“We know what we're coming up against, a very good side in Marumo Gallants, but the boys, I think, are pretty confident.”

Sibisi also praised the influence of coach Abdeslam Ouaddou in maiden season at thew club, having already collected the MTN8 trophy. 

“Working with the coach for a couple of months we've been together, you can tell he was a defender in his playing days,” Sibisi said. “He puts most of his focus on keeping those clean sheets, and you know, they always say defenders win you titles.

“For us, it's very important to keep those clean sheets, and we know whenever we start a game, we have a goal guarantee, whether it's coming off the bench or whether it's the guys in the starting line-up.”

Pirates have drawn bumper crowds this season having already claimed a trophy and sitting pretty on top of the Betway Premiership table, their only disappointment an early exit from the CAF Champions League for what has otherwise been a perfect start to the campaign.  

“It's quite a unique feeling to play in sold-out stadiums. Probably every week we play, you know, and for us, it's always nice whenever we have our 12th man there to give us that push.

“With the festive season, the season of giving, I think this one is for them. If we can get this one, it will be a gift from us to them.”

The Pirates squad is a large one with some big names on the sidelines, but Sibisi says he does not see it as an issue.

“I don't think it has been a challenge or an issue. We started the league season with two losses, and that's where the character was tested. Could they come back?” he said.

“I think the boys showed their character, and you can tell where whoever is playing, they give their best, you know, regardless of the position. Everyone who gets their chance, they grab it, and it's up to the coach to make his choices.

“I think it speaks volumes to the character of the group. And it's something that we carry, you know, because we knew what we were doing, and we trusted the process.

“And I think now we are reaping the rewards of the process. You know, it's only halfway through the season, but we are going to play our second final with the coach, you know, it shows the work that has been put into this technical team and the players as well.”

21+ | COMPETENT REGULATOR EEEP | RISK OF ADDICTION & LOSS OF PROPERTY | KETHEA HELPLINE: 210 9237777 | PLAY RESPONSIBLY & SAFELY |

Do you want to withdraw your consent to display betting ads?
Yes, change settings