Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi has played down expectations on the club’s new arrivals, even as the Buccaneers target a strong push in both the Betway Premiership and CAF Champions League.
Having guided Pirates to a treble last season by lifting the league title, the MTN8 and the Carling knockout, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou set the bar higher for himself. More is now expected from the former Morocco international.
In crafting a team to maintain the standard he set, Ouaddou has signed nine players. Neo Rapoo, Aphiwe Baliti, Gamphani Lungu and Bohlale Ngwato joined from Siwelele FC. However, the Soweto giants immediately loaned Baliti back to the Bloemfontein-based outfit.
Also signed by the Buccaneers are Matome Mmolai, Sbangani Zulu and Norwegian striker Sebastian Pedersen. Midfielders Mthetheleli Mthiane and Thapelo Mokobodi have arrived from Stellenbosch FC.
Ouaddou has also promoted Christian Derbyshire, Simphiwe Masilela, Mpho Padime and defender Moses Mphekgoane from the Soweto giants’ DStv Diski Challenge side.
NKOSINATHI SIBISI LEAPS TO SHIELD ORLANDO PIRATES NEW SIGNINGS
In recent years, the Buccaneers have produced players who have earned overseas moves. Relebohile Mofokeng, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Mohau Nkota are now abroad after becoming household names in the PSL. They have also signed stars who have become trademark names in South African football, like Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi and Thalente Mbatha.
Sibisi has come in to protect the new arrivals from feeling the weight of expectations from the demanding Buccaneers fans.
“As players, we have prepared; we have had time. It’s not much because I think pre-season, this time around, has been quite short, but I think we have covered everything that needs to be covered,” said Sibisi at Rand Stadium.
“We have played preparation games, and I think it wasn’t a matter of results, but just a matter of seeing combinations. To see what works, what’s not working and try to improve.
“Also trying to bring new players into the squad. As I have said before, I think that process is coming along very well. The coach has also said that we shouldn’t rush some of the players because it won’t be the case that every time we have a Rele, a Mbokazi, a Mohau that just gets going as soon as they touch the ball.
“Some of these players need time. Unfortunately for them, it’s a bit of a two-way street because our supporters always want us to deliver. I think the tone has been set with the three titles that we won, including the league.
“So, anything short of that would be failure for us. We have to keep the standards. We are just here to help the coach in order for him to implement what he is trying to implement and help the younger players integrate into the group.”
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