Sibisi: Anything Less Than Repeat Treble Is Failure For Pirates

Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi has made it clear that the club is aiming even higher this season, saying anything less than matching last season’s achievements would be considered a failure.

Sibisi captained the Buccaneers to their first Betway Premiership title since the 2011/12 season, ending a 14-year wait for league glory.

The Bafana Bafana defender also led Pirates to a domestic treble during the 2025/26 campaign, lifting the MTN8, Carling Knockout and Betway Premiership trophies. However, they narrowly missed out on adding the Nedbank Cup and the CAF Champions League to their trophy haul.

Looking ahead to the new season, Sibisi admitted the team had limited time to prepare during pre-season but believes they have done enough to be ready for the challenges ahead.

“As players, we are prepared,” said Sibisi.

“We’ve had time, although it hasn’t been much because I think pre-season has been short this time around. But I think we have covered everything that was necessary.

“We played the preparation matches, and it wasn’t about the results. It was about trying different combinations, seeing what works and what doesn’t, and identifying areas where we can improve. It was also about integrating the new players into the squad.”

Sibisi also urged patience with the club’s new and younger players, saying not everyone will make an immediate impact in the way Relebohile Mofokeng, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Mohau Nkota did.

“As I’ve said before, I think that process is coming along very well, but as the coaches have said, we shouldn’t rush some of the players because it won’t always be the case that we have players like Rele, Mohau and Mbokazi, who hit the ground running as soon as they arrive,” he said.

“Some of these players need time and, unfortunately for them, it’s a bit of a two-way street because we know our supporters always expect us to deliver.”

Sibisi believes last season’s success has raised expectations within the squad and that maintaining those standards is now the minimum requirement.

“I think the tone has been set with the three titles we’ve won, including the league. Anything less than that would be a failure for us, so we have to maintain those standards,” he said.

“We are here to help the coach implement what he is trying to achieve.”