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Why Sibisi dismisses Pirates’ games in hand in PSL title race

Nkosinathi Sibisi: Picture by Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi has explained why they are not getting carried away by what looks like an advantage of two spare games in the Betway Premiership title race.

Placed third on the table, the Buccaneers have played 13 league matches, two fewer than leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. Masandawana are three points clear at the top.

But if Pirates were to win their games in hand while Sundowns are active in the league, they would go to the summit and enjoy a three-point advantage. It adds intrigue to the title bid.

In recent seasons, the Brazilians have been accustomed to opening a comfortable gap at the top by this stage. But the current campaign is so far closely contested, giving Pirates and second-placed Kaizer Chiefs realistic chances of being crowned champions.

SIBISI WARNS PIRATES: GAMES IN HAND MEAN NOTHING

“I think everyone knows that a game in hand doesn’t necessarily guarantee you the points. You still have to play those games against very tough opponents,” Sibisi said, speaking at the Pirates media open day on Wednesday.

“We are not only looking at the top end of the table, but also behind us because the gap is very close this season. For us, it is to take it one game at a time and focus on our next game against Magesi.”

Pirates are preparing to host basement side Magesi FC at Orlando Stadium on Saturday. While the Soweto giants would be focused on domestic duties this weekend, their closest rivals Sundowns will be fulfilling CAF Champions League responsibilities.

Nkosinathi Sibisi and Abdeslam Ouaddou. Picture by Michael Madyira

OUADDOU UNDERLINES PIRATES’ PRIORITIES

Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has also refused to entertain talk of the advantage of their two games in hand.

“We are focused on ourselves since the beginning of the season. I will not lie to you if I tell you that we will not look at the log,” said Ouaddou.

“But for us, it is very important to focus on which areas we have to improve or which areas we have to keep on working on. We are doing well, of course, and we are not focusing on any other teams; we are focusing on ourselves.

“On how we have to start the games, how we have to finish them. We play every game to win. As I said, the league is long; I think it will finish around May.

“We will make it count at the end of the season, but for now, we are focusing on how we are preparing for games, how we want to start them and win the games and of course, the management of the team. Only these things are very important to us.”