Newly appointed Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi has opened up on the club’s latest additions, revealing one signing that caught him by surprise.
The Soweto giants arguably made some of the best business in the transfer market, bolstering the squad with high-profile signings.
Pirates snapped up players such as Oswin Appollis, Sipho Mbule, Sihle Nduli, Tshepang Moremi, Yanela Mbuthuma, Tshepho Mashiloane, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Masindi Nemtajela, Sinoxolo Kwayiba, and Kamogelo Sebelebele.
The Buccaneers took their squad on a pre-season tour in Spain to prepare for the highly-anticipated 2025/26 Betway Premiership season.
In an intense pre-season, Pirates’ new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou used the time in Spain to help the new signings gel with the team and instil his ideas.
WHICH PIRATES SIGNING SURPRISED NKOSINATHI SIBISI?
Speaking at the MTN8 launch on Wednesday, Sibisi gave an honest assessment of Pirates’ signings, revealing his verdict on Yanela Mbuthuma.
The talented striker joined the Sea Robbers from Richards Bay FC after impressing in the previous campaign. He scored six goals and chipped in with two assists for the Natal Rich Boys last season.
“They [new signings] are quality players; I can’t pick anyone. I think they’ve proven it from their respective clubs they’re coming from,” Sibisi said.
“We all know their talent, to name a few, Sipho Mbule and Oswin Appollis, we know him from Bafana Bafana. Maybe I was quite surprised with Mbuthuma, he’s a good striker, but as I’ve said, even players like [Tshepang] Moremi are also putting up their hands.”
The 23-year-old forward will compete with Tshegofatso Mabasa, Evidence Makgopa, and Boitumelo Radiopane for a place in the starting line-up as Pirates aim to fire on all cylinders.
Pirates will begin their season with an MTN8 quarter-final clash against Polokwane City FC at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Saturday, kickoff is at 15h00.
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