Pirates skipper rallies team to defend league, knockout cups, pursue continental glory

Orlando Pirates skipper Nkosinathi “Bhodlela” Sibisi has declared that the Buccaneers are aiming for a clean sweep in the remaining cups after failing to retain the MTN8 trophy last month.

Pirates are on track to defend their league title and the Carling Knockout, while they are also in the group stages of the Caf Champions League, with the Nedbank Cup the last trophy they will attempt to bag later this season.

“We can do quite a lot this season. We are gunning for everything. We fell short in the MTN8 [by losing 2-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns in the final in Durban last month], but there’s still plenty to play for,” Sibisi said.

The Sea Robbers’ immediate focus is on the Carling Knockout quarterfinal against Sekhukhune United at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday (3pm).

“There’s still the league and the Carling Knockout to defend, while we are also in the Champions League. Later on there’s the Nedbank Cup to win, so we are going for everything.”

In the Champions League, the Soweto heavyweights are in Group C, alongside Simba of Tanzania, who are coached by SA tactician Steve Barker, RS Berkane of Morocco and Cameronian side Colombe Sportive.

“In the Champions League, it’s a different ball game; it’s a level higher. It’s going to be a good test to see where we are as a team after falling short in the past two seasons,” Sibisi said.

He also lauded the hard-to-please nature of their coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, saying the newcomers at the club will eventually understand him. “We’ve gotten used to working with the coach. For some of us who’ve been with him for the past season, it’s been easier for us to understand what he wants and what he demands,” Sibisi said.

“I think everyone who’s just come in will also learn and understand him, because he doesn’t demand good but he demands excellence... whenever we win 3-0 or 4-0, he is always adamant that we should have won 8-0 or 10-0. He’s a straight talker, so for us it’s just to take it in a positive manner.”

Carling quarterfinal fixtures

• Saturday: Pirates v Sekhukhune, Orlando (3pm)
• Sunday:
• Chiefs v Siwelele, Peter Mokaba (3pm);
• Stellenbosch v AmaZulu, Danie Craven (6pm)

Caf Super Cup fixture

• Sunday: Sundowns v USM Alger, Loftus Versfeld (3pm)