Sibisi Hits Back At Critics After Leading Pirates To League Glory
Orlando Pirates defender Nkosinathi Sibisi has responded to his critics after helping the Buccaneers win the 2025/26 Betway Premiership title.
Pirates were crowned champions following a 2-0 victory over Orbit College at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday, a result that also confirmed Orbit College’s relegation.
Throughout the season, Pirates were locked in a fierce title race with Mamelodi Sundowns, who were crowned 2025/26 CAF Champions League winners on Sunday after defeating AS FAR 2-1 on aggregate.
The Buccaneers finally ended their decade-long wait for a league title while also bringing Sundowns’ remarkable run of eight consecutive league championships to an end.
Sibisi faced criticism throughout the campaign, with many doubting whether he could lead Pirates to league glory. However, the captain proved his doubters wrong by guiding the club to its first league title since taking over the armband.
“People will always have their comments,” said Sibisi.
“It is what it is, but I am glad that on Saturday they had to witness Sibisi winning the trophy. Others said, ‘We’ve seen this movie before, let the movie play.’”
The skipper admitted that the achievement was difficult to put into words after years of trying to catch Sundowns.
“I can’t put it into words. Words can’t describe how we feel right now. It has been a long time trying to push Mamelodi Sundowns,” said Sibisi.
“I think our previous coach even mentioned that they are point machines. We knew we had a job to do, and we are glad that today we were able to achieve it.”
