Sibisi Issues Rallying Cry Ahead Of The Derby

Orlando Pirates defender Nkosinathi Sibisi has shared how special their upcoming Betway Premiership clash against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday will be.  

The highly anticipated Soweto Derby will be played in a sold-out FNB Stadium, where both sides will battle for crucial points.

Pirates currently sit second on the table with 38 points after 17 games, while Kaizer Chiefs occupy fourth place with 30 points from 17 games. 

This marks the first time both the Soweto Giants meet in the 2025/26 season. 

Pirates dropped crucial points when they lost 2–1 to Mamelodi Sundowns, a result that denied them the chance to open a gap at the top.

Meanwhile, Chiefs missed the opportunity to climb to third place after suffering a 2–1 defeat to Stellenbosch FC.

Pirates have won the last four Premiership Soweto derbies, but the Glamour Boys beat the Buccaneers in last season’s Nedbank Cup final.

“It’s a very special game,” said Sibisi. 

“If you get the opportunity to play these games, you’ll be remembered in history. So it’s a big one for the players, for the club, for the supporters as well. Because even at home, there are family members divided, so it’s kind of special.

“It’s a game where you play to be remembered, and I think it’s one game where you have to bring your A-game. I think if that’s the case, there’s no room for regret. I don’t want you to play this game feeling anxious and not get the results, and then have regrets afterwards. It’s a game to go all out and showcase your talent,” the skipper added. 

Sibisi added that their past two consecutive defeats do not define them, as there is still a chance to achieve something meaningful in the remainder of the season.

“For us is to try and manage the situation because I think we all know our supporters have high expectations. Also, we as players have high expectations of ourselves.” 

Sibisi, who has been shocking in the past two matches, added: “So for us is to just keep on doing what we have been doing. I don’t think we can become a bad team overnight. These past two results don’t define who we are. I think we can go on and do something major this season,” Sibisi stated.