“No Reason To Doubt” — Sibisi

Orlando Pirates defender Nkosinathi Sibisi says the team still believes it can achieve its goal of winning the league ahead of its final Betway Premiership match against Orbit College at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.

A victory for Pirates would see them crowned champions after they missed the chance to take control of the title race on Saturday, when they were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Durban City at Orlando Stadium.

This is their final opportunity to end a 14-year wait for the league title, having last won the championship in 2012.

The Buccaneers are currently second on the table, two points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have 68 points after completing all their league fixtures and shifting their focus to the CAF Champions League.

Pirates need nothing less than a victory in their final match. A draw or defeat would hand Sundowns the 2025/26 league title and extend their dominance to nine consecutive championships.

The skipper said the league title is still within their reach as they prepare to face relegation-threatened Orbit, who will also be desperate to secure crucial points in their fight for survival.

“We’re still there, we’re still within our objectives,” said Sibisi.

“We shouldn’t doubt. There is no reason to doubt. I think the performance on Saturday showed that we wanted to win; unfortunately, it wasn’t enough. But we go back and keep working again. We have a final game against Orbit College, and there is no reason not to believe.”

Sibisi, who has already led Pirates to two trophies this season, added: “We would have loved to end the season at home with three trophies, but as I said, unfortunately, it was not meant to be on Saturday. We tried, and it was not through a lack of effort. The boys kept fighting until the final whistle. It’s unfortunate for us, but we take the point and move on.”