Siyabonga Sangweni’s blueprint for Nkosinathi Sibisi’s growth at Pirates

FARPost Newsroom

November 11, 2024
6:45 pm

Wonderboy Makhubu and Nkosinathi Sibisi - Picture courtesy of Nhlanhla Matshoma [FreshOnSnaps]

Orlando Pirates legend Siyabonga Sangweni has pinpointed specific areas where Nkosinathi Sibisi can enhance his performance as a centre-back.

Sangweni, who served Ezimnyama Ngenkani with flying colours between 2011 and 2016, also played the same position, partnering most often with Lucky Lekgwathi during his time at the club.

The former Bafana Bafana and Golden Arrows defender Sangweni has advised Nkosinathi Sibisi to improve his composure on the field.

Sangweni believes that Sibisi’s tendency to rush into tackles often leads to unnecessary fouls. Instead, he suggests that Sibisi should focus on guiding attackers and minimizing the risk of committing fouls to maintain defensive stability.

“I’m happy that the boy is representing us as the KZN province,” said Sangweni in an interview with FARPost.

SANGWENI SAYS SIBISI MUST IMPROVE COMPOSURE, DECISION-MAKING & COMMUNICATION

“The one thing he must improve on is to try not to rush when defending and perhaps lessen the fouls he commits as a result of rushing.

“Sometimes, guiding is very important and not just putting your leg anyhow. Communication is important too.”

Nkosinathi Sibisi, Thabiso Sesane and Patrick Maswanganyi – Picture courtesy of Orlando Pirates

Sangweni believes that Sibisi performs at his best when partnered with Olisa Ndah, who significantly contributes to the organisation of the defensive line. He regards the Nigerian defender as effective in terms of communication.

SIYABONGA SANGWENI ON SIBISI – ‘HE IS A LEADER, HE MUST BE A MAN’

He continued, “You must look at when he plays with Olisa Ndah, how solid their pairing is.”

“Ndah can guide him, but he [Sibisi] is experienced now, and he must take responsibilities at the back. As he is a leader, he must be a man and know that at the back, you don’t just commit a foul; you do that when it’s necessary.

“You, as the last man or part of the back four, you must understand each other that when someone commits, one must cover. That starts at training, you must learn that yourself that when you’re marking and someone goes, one must cover.

“It mustn’t be open down the centre; we better be beaten through a cross. Even on a cross, there will be unanswered questions, such as, ‘How did they beat us?’

“But the attacks that come through central areas are the ones that we really don’t want.”