“We’re Going For Everything” – Sibisi
Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi has described the CAF Champions League as a different challenge, insisting that the Buccaneers are determined to make their mark in the competition after learning valuable lessons from previous campaigns.
The 31-year-old was speaking after Pirates were drawn in Group C alongside Moroccan side RS Berkane, Tanzania’s Simba SC and Cameroonian outfit Colombe Sportive.
Pirates are the only South African representatives in this season’s Champions League following the elimination of reigning African champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Buccaneers will return to the group stages after missing out on the competition last season. Their last appearance in the tournament saw them reach the semi-finals during the 2024/25 campaign under then-head coach Jose Riveiro. However, they were eliminated in the second preliminary round last season under current coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
Sibisi believes the Champions League presents an opportunity for the team to measure its progress against some of the continent’s best sides.
“I think the Champions League is a different ball game. It’s a level higher, and I think it’s going to be a good test to see where we are as a team,” said Sibisi, who was left devastated after Pirates suffered a semi-final defeat to Pyramids FC.
“In the past two seasons, we fell short, and we’ve been able to identify and try to rectify the areas where we fell short.
“For us, we’re just looking forward to playing in the competition and allowing the boys to gain the much-needed experience.”
The group-stage draw has also set up an opportunity for Pirates to renew acquaintances with RS Berkane, who defeated the Soweto giants in the CAF Confederation Cup final in May 2022.
Their clash against Simba SC will also feature several familiar faces. Former Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker is now in charge of the Tanzanian outfit, while South African trio Keletso Makgalwa, Neo Maema and captain Rushine De Reuck are also part of the Simba squad.
Having already missed out on the MTN8, Pirates still have four competitions to compete for this season: the CAF Champions League, Carling Knockout Cup, Nedbank Cup and Betway Premiership.
Despite their disappointment in the MTN8, Sibisi insists that the club remains ambitious and is determined to challenge for every available trophy.
“I think we can achieve quite a lot,” he added.
“We’re going for everything. We fell short in the MTN8, but there’s still plenty to play for.
“There’s the league, the Nedbank Cup and the CAF Champions League. So we’re going for everything.”
Pirates will begin their Champions League group-stage campaign with an away trip to Tanzania to face Simba SC later in November before returning home to host RS Berkane on 4 December.
