Orlando Pirates' captain Nkosinathi Sibisi (left) unbothered by their lack of physicality ahead of the Soweto derby against arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs.

Image: Backpagepix

Orlando Pirates defender Nkosinathi Sibisi has acknowledged that the Buccaneers are still working to improve their response to physically demanding matches ahead of Saturday’s Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs.

Pirates have faced questions over their ability to handle opponents who disrupt their rhythm through aggressive challenges and physical contests, with the issue resurfacing ahead of their latest meeting with their biggest rivals.

The Buccaneers captain insists physicality itself is not a problem, but admits the team is still developing that aspect of their game as they prepare for the showdown at FNB Stadium.

“For us, physicality is not a problem, if it’s fair. Sometimes it’s not, and why should we be judged on that as a club?” Sibisi said.

“As a club, we just want to play football in the best manner possible, and I know people say we tend to struggle when the match gets physical, but it’s not our type of game.

“We’ve been trying to grow in that aspect as a team, and so we’ll see how it goes on Saturday.”

The comments put the spotlight on a potential tactical challenge for Pirates, who will need to find a way to impose their style against a Chiefs side eager to make a statement in the Soweto Derby.

Pirates’ preference for playing football on the ground and building attacks could be tested if Chiefs opt to turn the contest into a battle of duels, second balls and physical intensity.

The Buccaneers will be wary of allowing the match to drift away from their preferred approach, particularly in a fixture where emotion, pressure and the occasion can influence the tempo.

For Sibisi and his teammates, the challenge will be to match Chiefs’ intensity without abandoning the footballing principles they believe give them an advantage.

Pirates head into the derby as defending Betway Premiership champions, but Sibisi’s admission suggests they are aware that technical quality alone may not be enough if the contest becomes a physical battle.

The defender’s comments also offer Chiefs a possible route to disrupting the champions, although Pirates will be determined to show that their efforts to improve in this area are beginning to pay off.

With bragging rights and valuable league points at stake, Saturday’s encounter will provide another test of whether Pirates can maintain their identity when opponents attempt to take them out of their comfort zone.