Nkosinathi Sibisi Shines Again as Pirates Maintain Pressure on Sundowns
The Orlando Pirates are determined to keep their Betway Premiership title aspirations alive, with defender Nkosinathi Sibisi emerging as an unexpected hero in their pursuit.
Sibisi netted the sole goal in a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday. This marked his second game-winning goal of the league season, having previously scored a vital header against Chippa United last month.
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This one? A fortunate strike.
Polokwane goalkeeper Brian Bwire mishandled a free-kick from Kabelo Dlamini, resulting in the ball striking Sibisi and rolling into the net in the 67th minute. A touch of luck? Certainly. But Pirates supporters won’t mind.
This win keeps the Buccaneers in pursuit of leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who remain 12 points clear — albeit having played three matches more. If Royal AM’s results are annulled due to their potential expulsion from the league, Sundowns could lose three points. Pirates have yet to face Royal AM, meaning this scenario could play in their favor.
Riveiro’s Farewell Tour
With head coach Jose Riveiro set to depart at the season’s end, the Bucs players are evidently motivated to give him a memorable send-off. Under his leadership, Pirates have already secured three domestic trophies and are still in contention for a treble: the league title, the Nedbank Cup, and the CAF Champions League.
Next up: MC Alger will visit Pirates for the second leg of their Champions League quarterfinal — a crucial match just three days after this laborious win.
Control, Yet Limited Chances
Pirates dominated possession with 68% control in the first half but managed only three shots on target during that period. Relebohile Mofokeng and Patrick Maswanganyi were key figures in most of the attacks, although striker Evidence Makgopa had a subdued performance compared to his brace in the previous encounter back in September.
Mofokeng almost extended the lead with a clever shot following a defensive error, but it went just wide.
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While Sibisi earned the headlines, it was young defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi who shone in the second half. He effectively contained Polokwane’s speedy duo, Oswin Appollis and Bonginkosi Dlamini, with a poised and composed performance.
With momentum on their side and games in hand, Pirates remain very much in this title race. The path forward is challenging, but with Sibisi rising to the occasion and the team working hard, Bucs fans have ample reason for optimism.
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